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QUINTI HORATII FLACCI
OPERA.
ACCEDUNT
CLAVIS METRICA ET NOT^ ANGLIC.E
\
JUVENTUTI ACCOMMODAT^E.
CURA
B. A. GOULD.
/ * ■ ""*
BOSTONIiE:
HILLIARD, GRAY, LITTLE, ET WILKINS.
M DCCC XXVIII.
y
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTF
BE it remembered, that on the twenty-fifth day of
fifty-third year of the Independence of the Unite
Little, & Wilkins, of the said district, have de
book, the right whereof they claim as proprietoi
*' Quinti Horatii Flacci Opera. Accedunt Clavis M
accommodatae, Cura B. A Gould." In conform.
the United States, entitled " An act for the encour;
the copies of maps, charts, and books to the aui
copies during the times therein mentioned ; " and a
supplementary to an act, entitled ' An act for the e
securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to ti
8ueh copies during the times thereiu mentioned ; ' ano.
of to the arts of designing, engraving, and etchin? histo
Clerkoftht
t ClerWs 0
O. 1828, ai
•a,Hillia:
'ce the
illowin
glieae
ve Cc
(tor!
led
le: I
■o
nts."
-.husetts.
Page 20, Odes,
« 22, "
4. 23, "
61,
I. XX.
" xxiii. 34,
" xxiv. 14.
III. viii. 8.
93.
CORRIGENDA.
13. for
156, Satires, II» II.
273, Notes, line 33,
294, " " 8,
Jr
Quod read
" piaculal luna "
" Panceti "
after aures put a period
for carmina read carmine
" Parthians " Scythiam
" point " points
CAMBRIDGE I
illiard, Metcalf, & Company,
Printers to the UniverMty.
yhcf
THE LIFE OF HORACE.
Quintus Horatius Flaccus was born at Venusium in
Apulia, -sixty-four years before Christ. His father was a freed-
man, and collector of the revenue ; and gave his son a liberal
education at Rome and Athens. Horace, when a young man,
attached himself to Brutus, and was in the battle of Philippi,
with the rank of military tribune. He fled in the rout of that
day, and was taken prisouer ; but obtained a pardon, and after-
wards was distinguished by the favour and friendship of Msece-
nas. He filled the office of a clerk to the treasury ; and assisted
the emperor as his private amanuensis. This appears from the
fragment of a letter frorn Augustus to his minister. " I used to
be equal to the writing of my own letters ; but I am now so
pressed with a multiplicity of business, and so infirm, that I
wish you to bring me our friend Horace. Let him come, then,
and leave that parasitical table for my palace, and assist me in
writing my letters." Another fragment of a letter from Au-
gustus to Horace, is expressed in terms of the most easy and
playful familiarity. " Dionysius has conveyed your little volume
to me ; which, not to quarrel with its brevity, I take in good
part. But you seem to me fearful, lest your works should be
bigger than yourself. However, what you want in height, is
made up to you by that little round body of yours. You should,
therefore, write such a roll, as may go, not round a stick, but a
quart measure ; and then the circumference of your volume
may be squab and svvollen, like the rotundity of your little bel-
ly." This is a pleasing personal trait. Horace has, himself,
given us some interesting hints of his person and manners.
He was gray before his time ; fond of basking in the sun ; and
of taking a siesta on the bank of a river. He speaks of break-
ing stones and turning up the ground, when in the country ;
and when in town, of sauntering in the market, or riding out on
a dock-tailed mule, which he sat awkwardly. He dined on
a pancake and vegetables ; and divided the rest of the day be-
tween reading and writing, the bath and the tennis-court.
He was subject to a defluction in the eyes ; as was Virgil to a
complaint of asthma ; and Augustus used to rally the two poets,
iv THE LIFE OF HORACE.
by saying, " that he sat between sighs and tears." He had a
farra in the country of the Sabines, and a house at Tibur, now
Tivoli, the ruins of which are still shown to strangers. He
died in his fifty-ninth year ; so suddenly that he left no will,
and his property therefore reverted to the emperor. He was
buried in the cemetery on the Esquiline Hill, near the tomb of
Msecenas.
The writings of Horace have an air of frankness and open-
ness about them ; a manly simplicity, and a contempt of af-
fectation, or the little pride of a vain and mean concealment,
which, at once, take hold on our confidence. We can believe
the account which he gives of his own character, without
scruple or suspicion. That he was fond of pleasure is con-
fessed ; but generally speaking he was moderate and tempe-
rate in his pleasures ; and his convivial hours seem to have been
far raore intellectual, and raore enlightened by social wit and
wisdom, than are those of the common herd of Epicurean poets.
Horace, of all the writers of antiquity, most abounds with
that practical good sense, and familiar observation of life and
manners, which render an author, in a more emphatic sense,
the reader's companion. Good sense, in fact, seems the most
distinguishing feature of his Satires ; for his wit seems rather
forced ; and it is their tone of sound understanding, added to
their easy, conversational air, and a certain turn for fine raille-
ry, that forras the secret by which they please. In variety and
versatility his lyric genius is unrivalled by that of any poet with
whom we are acquainted ; and there are no marks of inequality
or of inferiority to himself. Whether his odes be of the moral
and philosophic kind ; or the heroic ; the descriptive ; or the
amatory, the light, and the joyous ; each separate species
would seem to be his peculiar province. His epistles evince
a knowledge of the weaknesses of the human heart, which
would do honour to a professed philosopher. What Quintilian,
and the moderns after him, call the " Art of Poetry," seems to
have been only the third epistle of the second book, addressed
to the Pisos. The style and manner differ in no respect from
the former epistles. The observations are equally desultory,
and we meet with the same strokes of satirical humour ; which
appear unsuitable to a didactic piece.*
* See Elton's Specimens of the Classic Poets.
QUINTI HORATII FLACCI
CARMINl
LIBER PRI
J
ODE I.
AD MJ2CENATEM
\
Mjscenas, atavis edite regibus,
O et praesidium et dulce decus meum !
Sunt quos curriculo pulverem Olympicura
Collegisse juvat ; metaque fervidis
Evitata rotis, palmaque nobilis, 5
Terrarum dominos evehit ad deos:
Hunc, si mobilium turba Quiritium
Certat tergeminis tollere honoribus ;
Ulum, si proprio condidit horreo
Quidquid de Libycis verritur areis. 10
Gaudentem patrios findere sarculo
Agros Attalicis conditionibus
Nunquam dimoveas ut trabe Cypria
Myrtoiim pavidus nauta secet mare.
Luctantem Icariis fluctibus Africum 15
Mercator metuens, otium et oppidi
Laudat rura sui : mox reficit rates
Quassas, indocilis pauperiem pati.
1
2 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Est qui nec veteris poeula Massici,
Nec partem solido demere de die 20
Spernit, nunc viridi membra sub arbuto
Stratus, nunc ad aquae lene caput sacree.
Multos castra juvant, et lituo tubae
Permixtus sonitus, bellaque matribus
Detestata. Manet sub Jove frigido 25
Venator, tenerse conjugis immemor ;
Seu visa est catulis cerva fidelibus,
Seu rupit teretes Marsus aper plagas.
Me doctarum ederse prsemia frontium
Dis miscent superis ; me gelidum nemus, 30
Nympharumque leves cum Satyris chori,
Secernunt populo ; si neque tibias
Euterpe cohibet, nec Polyhymnia
Lesboiinvrefugit tendere barbiton.'
Quod si me lyricis vatibus inseres, 35
Sublimi feriam sidera vertice.
ODE II.
AD AUGUSTUM CjESAREM.
Jam satis terris nivis atque dira?
Grandinis misit Pater, et, rubente
Dextera sacras jaculatus arces,
Terruit urbem :
Terruit gentes, grave ne rediret
Sseculum Pyrrhce, nova monstra questae ;
Omne quum Proteus pecus egit altos
Visere montes ;
CARMINUM LIB. I.
o
Piscium et summa genus haesit ulmo,
Nota quae sedes fuerat columbis ; 10
Et superjecto pavidae natarunt
JEqnore damae.
Vidimus flavum Tiberim, retortis
Littore Etrusco violenter undis,
Ire dejectum monumenta regis, 15
Templaque Vestae :
Iliae dum se nimium querenti
Jactat ultorem, vagus et sinistra
Labitur ripa, Jove non probante, u-
xorius amnis. 20
Audiet cives acuisse ferrum
Quo graves Persae melius perirent ;
Audiet pugnas, vitio parentum
Rara, juventus.
Quem vocet divum populus ruentis 25
Imperi rebus ? prece qua fatigent
Virgines sanctae minus audientem
Carmina Vestam 1
Cui dabit partes scelus expiandi
Jupiter 1 tandem venias, precamur, 30
Nube candentes humeros amictus,
Augur Apollo.
Sive .tu mavis, Erycina ridens,
Cluam Jocus circumvolat, et Cupido.
Sive neglectum genus et nepotes 35
Kespicis, auctor,
Heu ! nimis longo satiate ludo,
Quem juvat clamor, galeaeque leves,
Acer et Mauri peditis cruentum
Vultus in hostem : 40
Sive mutata juvenem ficrUra
Ales, in terris imitaris, almae
Q. HORATII FLACCI
Filius Maiae, patiens vocari
Caesaris ultor :
Serus in coelum redeas, diuque 45
Laetus intersis populo duirini ;
Neve te nostris vitiis iniquum
Ocior aura
Tollat. Hic magnos potius triumphos,
Hic ames dici Pater atque Princeps : 50
Neu sinas Medos equitare inultos,
• Te duce, Caesar.
ODE III.
AD MAVEM QUA VIRGILIUS ATHENAS PROFICISCENS
VEHEBATUR. \
Sic te diva potens Cypri,
Sic fratres Helenae, lucida sidera,
Ventorumque regat pater,
Obstrictis aliis, praeter Iapyga,
Navis, quae tibi creditum 5
Debes Virgilium, finibus Atticis
Reddas incolumem, precor,
Et serves animae dimidium meae.
Illi robur et aes triplex
Circa pectus erat, qui fragilem truci 10
Commisit pelago ratem
Primus, nec timuit praecipitem Africum
Decertantem Aquilonibus,
Nec tristes Hyadas, nec rabiem Noti,
Quo non arbiter Hadriae 15
Major, tollere seu ponere vult freta.
CARMINUM LIB. I. 5
Quem mortis timuit gradum,
Qui siccis oculis monstra natantia,
Quividit mare turgidum, et
Infames scopulos Acroceraunia ? 20
Nequidquam Deus abscidit
Prudens Oceano dissociabili
Terras, si tamen impiae
Non tangenda rates transiliunt vada.
Audax omnia perpeti 25
Gens humana ruit per vetitum ; nefas !
Audax Iapeti genus
Ignem fraude mala gentibus intulit.
Post ignem aetherea. domo
Subductum, macies et nova febrium 30
Terris incubuit cohors ;
Semotique prius tarda necessitas
Leti corripuit gradum.
Expertus vacuum Daedalus aera
Pennis non homini datis. 35
Perrupit Acheronta Herculeus labor.
Nil mortalibus arduum est :
Coelum ipsum petimus stultitia ; neque
Per nostrum patimur scelus
Iracunda Jovem ponere fulmina. 40
ODE IV.
AD L. SEXTIUM, CONSULAREM.
Solvitur acris hiems grata vice veris et Favoni,
Trahuntque siccas machina? carinas ;
1*
Q. HORATII FLACCI
Ac neque jam stabulis gaudet pecus, aut arator igni ;
Nec prata canis albicant pruinis.
Jam Cytherea choros ducit Venus, imminente Luna ; 5
Junctaeque Nymphis Gratiae decentes
Alterno terram quatiunt pede, dum graves Cyclopum
Vulcanus ardens urit officinas.
Nunc decet aut viridi nitidum caput impedire myrto,
Aut flore, terrae quem ferunt solutae. 10
Nunc et in umbrosis Fauno decet immolare lucis,
Seu poscat agna, sive malit haedo.
Pallida Mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas,
Regumque turres. O beate Sexti,
Vitae summa brevis spem nos vetat inchoare longam : 15
Jam te premet nox, fabulaeque Manes,
Et domus exilis Plutonia ; quo simul mearis,
Non regna vini sortiere talis.
ode v./ * -fApeturCi"
V
AD M. VIPSANIUM AGRIPPAM.
Scriberis Vario fortis, et hostium
Victor, Maeonii carminis aliti,
Quam rem cunque ferox navibus aut equis
Miles te duce gesserit.
Nos, Agrippa, neque haec dicere, nec gravem t>
Pelidae stomachum cedere nescii,
Nec cursus duplicis per mare Ulyssei',
Nec saevam Pelopis domum,
Conamur, tenues grandia : dum pudor,
Imbellisque lyrae Musa potens vetat 10
Laudes egregii Caesaris, et tuas,
Culpa deterere ingeni.
CARMINUM LIB. I.
Quis Martem tunica tectum adamantina
Digne scripserit 1 aut pulvere Troiq
Nigrum Merionen ? aut ope Palladis
Tydiden superis parem ?
15
ODE Vfe
AD MUNATIUM PLANCUM, CONSULAREM.
Laudabunt alii claram Rhodon, aut Mitylenen,
Aut Ephesum, bimarisve Corinthi
Mcenia, vel Baccho Thebas, vel Apolline Delphos
Insignes, aut Thessala Tempe.
Sunt quibus unum opus est intactae Palladis arces
Carmine perpetuo celebrare, et
Undique decerptam fronti praeponere olivam.
Plurimus, in Junonis honorem,
Aptum dicit equis Argos, ditesque Mycenas.
Me nec tam patien3 Lacedsemon,
Nec tam Larissae percussit campus opimae,
duam domus Albuneae resonantis,
Et praeceps Anio, ac Tiburni lucus, et uda
Mobilibus pomaria rivis.
Albus ut obscuro deterget nubila coelo
Saepe Notus, neque parturit imbres
Perpetuos ; sic tu sapiens finire memento
Tristitiam viteque labores
Molli, Plance, mero ; seu te fulgentia signis
Castra tenent, seu densa tenebit
Tiburis umbra tui. Teucer Salamina patremque
. Q,uum fugeret, tamen uda Lyaeo
10
15
20
8 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Tempora populea fertur vinxisse corona,
Sic tristes affatus amicos :
" Qud nos cunque feret melior fortuna parente, 25
Ibimus, o socii comitesque !
Nil desperandum Teucro duce, et auspice Teucro ;
Certus enim promisit Apollo
Ambiguam tellure nova. Salamina futuram.
O fortes pejoraque passi 30
Mecum saepe viri ! nunc vino pellite curas :
Cras ingens iterabimus aequor."
ODE VII.
AD LYDIAM.
Lydia, dic, per omnes
Te deos oro : Sybarin cur properas amando
Perdere 1 cur apricum
Oderit campum, patiens pulveris atque solis ?
Cur neque militaris . 5
Inter eequales equitat, Gallica nec lupatis
Temperat ora frsenis ?
Cur timet flavum Tiberim tangere 1 cur olivum
Sanguine viperino
Cautius vitat? neque jam livida gestat armis 10
Brachia, saepe disco,
Saepe trans finem jaculo nobilis expedito ?
Quid latet, ut marinae
Filium dicunt Thetidis sub lacrymosa Trojae
Funera, ne virilis 15
Cultus in caedern et Lycias proriperet catervas ?
CARMINUM LIB. I.
ODE VIII. /P
AD THALIARCHUM.
Vides ut alta stet nive candidum
Soracte, nec jam sustineant onus
Silvae laborantes, geluque
Flumina constiterint acuto.
Dissolve frigus, ligna super foco 5
Large reponens ; atque benignius
Deprome quadrimum Sabina,
O Thaliarche, merum diota.
Permitte divis caetera : qui simul
Stravere ventos aequore fervido 10
Deprceliantes, nec cupressi,
Nec veteres agitanjur orni.
Q,uid sit futurum cras, fuge quaerere ; et
Q,uem 4ors dierum cunque dabit, lucro
Appone : nec dulces Camcenas 15
Sperne puer, neque tu choreas ;
Donec virenti canities abest
Morosa. Nunc et campus, et areae,
Lenesque sub noctem susurri,
Composita repetantur hora. 20
^^WJ ?*"e\U* fiSv/j c\yajAtv
O ODE IX. . I ,
D^*W£«v? 4e-<epfu«^ kt&vh*
i y AD MERCURIUM. •
MERcuRi/facunde nepos Atlaiitis,
Q,ui feros cultus hominum recentum
Voce formasti catus, et decorae
More palaestrae ;
10 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Te canam, magni Jovis et deorum 5
Nuntium, curvseque lyrse parentem ;
Callidum, quidquid placuit, jocoso
Condere furto.
Te, boves olim nisi reddidisses
Per dolum amotas, puerum minaci 10
Voce dum terret, viduus pharetra
Risit Apollo.
Quin et Atridas, duce te, superbos,
Ilio dives Priamus relicto,
Thessalosque ignes et iniqua Trojae 15
Castra fefellit.
Tu pias lsetis animas reponis
Sedibus, virgaque levem coerces
Aurea turbam, superis deorum
Gratus et imis. 20
AD LEUCONOEN.
Tu ne quaesieris, scire nefas, quem mihi, quem tibi
Finem di dederint, Leuconoe ; nec Babylonios
Tentaris numeros. Ut melius, quidquid erit, pati !
Seu plures hiemes, seu tribuit Jupiter ultimam,
Quae nunc oppositis debilitat pumicibus mare
Tyijjjenum. Sapias, vina liques, et spatio brevi
Spem longam reseces. Dum loquimur, fugerit invida
iEtas. Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
CARMINUM LIB. I. Jl
•DE XI.
AD AUGUSTUM.
Quem virum aut heroa lyra vel acri
Tibia sumis celebrare, Clio 1
duem deum, cujus recinet jocosa
Nomen imago,
Aut in umbrosis Heliconis oris, 5
Aut super Pindo, gelidove in Haemo,
Unde vocalem temere insecutse
Orphea silvae,
Arte materna rapidos morantem
Fluminum lapsus, celeresque ventos, 10
Blandum et auritas fidibus canoris
Ducere quercus ?
Q,uid prius dicam solitis Parentis
Laudibus, qui res hominum ac deorum,
Qui mare ac terras, variisque mundum 15
Temperat horis 1
Unde nil majus generatur ipso,
Nec viget quidquam simile aut secundum :
Proximos illi tamen occupavit
Pallas honores. 20
Prceliis audax, neque te silebo,
Liber, et ssevis inimica virgo
Belluis ; nec te metuende certa
Phoebe sagitta.
Dicam et Alciden ; puerosque Ledae, 25
Hunc equis, illum superare pugnis
Nobilem : quorum simul alba nautis
Stella refulsit,
Defluit saxis agitatus humor ;
Concidunt venti, fugiuntque nubes ; 30
12 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Et minax, nam sic voluere, ponto
Unda recumldt.
Romulum post hos prius, an quietum
Pompili regnum memorem, an superbos
Tarquini fasces, dubito, an Catonis 35
Nobile letum.
Regulum, et Scauros, animaeque magnae
Pfodigum Paulum, superante Poeno,
Gratus insigni referam Camcena,
Fabriciumque. 40
Hunc, et incomptis Curium capillis,
Utilem bello tulit, et Camillum,
Saeva paupertas, et avitus apto
Cum lare fundus.
Crescit occulto velut arbor sevo 45
Fama Marcelli : micat inter omnes
Julium sidus, velut inter ignes
Luna minores.
Gentis humanae pater atque custos,
Orte Saturno, tibi cura magni 50
Caesaris fatis data ; tu secundo
Caesare regnes.
Ille, seu Parthos Latio imminentes
Egerit justo domitos triumpho,
Sive subjectos Orientis orae 55
Seras et Indos,
Te minor latum reget aequus orbem :
Tu gravi curru quaties Olympum ;
Tu parum castis inimica mittes
Fulmina lucis. 60
CARMINUM LIB. I.
13
ODE
AD REMPUBLICAM.
O naVis, referent in mare te novi
Fluctus ! O quid agis ? Fortiter occupa
^ Portum. Nonne vides ut
Nudum remigio latus,
Et malus celeri saucius Africo,
AntennaBque gemant, ac sine funibus
Vix durare carinae
-frfl ■
Possint imperiosius
_ ^Equor ? Non tibi sunt integra lintea,
•\_Non di quos iterum pressa voces malo :
Q-uamvis Pontica pinus.
Silvae filia nobilis,
Jactes et genus et nomen inutile.
Nil pictis timidus navita puppibus
Fidit. Tu, nisi ventis
Debes ludibrium, cave.
Nuper sollicitum quae mihi ta^dium,
Nunc desiderium, curaque non Ievi%
Interfusa nitentes
Vites aequora Cycladas.
5
10
15
20
ODE XIII.
NEREI VATICINIUM DE EXCIDIO TROJjE.
Pastor quum traheret per freta navibus
Idasis Helenen perfidus hospitam,
14 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Ingrato celeres obruit otio
Ventos, ut caneret fera
Nereus fata: " Mala ducis avi domum, 5
duam multo repetet Grsecia milite,
Conjurata tuas rumpere nuptias,
Et regnurn Priami vetus.
Eheu ! quantus equis, quantus adest viris
Sudor ! quanta moves funera Dardanae 10
Genti ! Jam galeam Pallas, et segida,
Currusque, et rabiem, parat.^,
Nequidquam, Veneris praesidio ferox,
Pectes csesariem, grataque fceminis
Imbelli cithara carmina divides : 15
Nequidquam thalamo graves
Hastas, et calami spicula Gnosii,
Vitabis, strepitumque, et celerem sequi
Ajacern : tamen, heu serus ! adulteros
Crines pulvere collines. , 20
Non Laertiaden, exitium tuae
Gentis, non Pylium Nestora respicis 1
Urgent impavidi te Salaminius
Teucer, te Sthenelus sciens
Pugnse, sive opus est imperitare equis, 25
Non auriga piger. Merionen quoque
Nosces. Ecce furit te reperire atrox ,
Tydides, melior patre :
Quem tu, cervus uti vallis in altera
Visum parte lupum graminis immemor, 30
Sublimi fugies mollis anhelitu,
Non hoc pollicitus tuae.
Iracunda diem proferet Ilio
Matronisque Phrygum classis Achillei" :
Post certas hiemes uret Achaius 35
Ignis Pergameas domos."
CARMINUM LIB. I. 15
ODE XIV. ^X
PALINODIA.
O matre pulchra filia pulchrior,
Q-uem criminosis cunque voles modum
Pones iambis ; sive flamma,
Sive mari libet Hadriano.
Non Dindymene, non adytis quatit 5
Mentem sacerdotum incola Pythius,
Non Liber aeque, non acuta
Sic geminant Corybantes eera,
Tristes ut iras : quas neque Noricus
Deterret ensis, nec mare naufragum, 10
Nec soevus ignis, nec tremendo
Jupiter ipse ruens tumultu.
Fertur Prometheus addere principi
Limo coactus particulam undique
Desectam, et insani leonis ]5
Vim stomacho apposuisse nostro.
Irae Thyesten exitio gravi
Stravere ; et altis urbibus ultimai
Stetere caussg cur perirent
Funditus, imprimeretque muris 20
Hostile aratrum exercitus insolens.
Compesce mentem. Me quoque pectoris
Tentavit in dulci juventa
Fervor, et in celeres iambos
Misit furentem : nunc ego mitibus 25
Mutare quaero tristia, dum mihi
Fias recantatis amica
Opprobriis, animumque reddas.
16 Q. HORATII FLACCI
ODE XV.
AD TYNDARIDEM.
0
Velox amcenum ssepe Lucretilem
Mutat Lycaso Faunus, et igneam
Defendit asstatem capellis
Usque meis, pluviosque ventos.
Impune tutum per nemus arbutos 5
Quaerunt latentes et thyma deviae
Olentis uxores mariti ;
Nec virides metuunt colubras,
Nec Martiales haeduleee lupos ;
Utcunque dulci, Tyndari, fistula 10
Valles et Usticse cubantis
Lcvia personuere saxa.
Di me tuentur : dis pietas mea
Et Musa cordi est. Hic tibi copia
Manabit ad plenum benigno 15
Ruris honorum opulenta cornu.
Hic in reducta valle Caniculae
Vitabis sestus ; et fide Teia
Dices laborantes in uno
Penelopen vitreamque Circen. 20
Hic innocentis pocula Lesbii
Duces sub umbra : nec Semeleius
Cum Marte confundet Thyoneus
Prcelia ; nec metues protervos.
>
S '^*
CARMINUM LIB. I.
ODE XVI.
AD VARUM.
17
Nullam, Vare, sacra vite prius severis arborem
Circa mite solum Tiburis, et mcenia Catili :
Siccis omnia nam dura Deus proposuit ; neque
Mordaces aliter diffugiunt sollicitudines.
Quis post vina gravem militiam aut pauperiem crepat 1
Q,uis non te potius, Bacche pater, teque, decens Venus 1
At ne quis modici transiliat munera Liberi,
Centaujea monet cum Lapithis<rixa super mero
Debenata ; monet Sithoniis nonlevis Evius,
Quum fas atque nefas exiguo fine libidinum
Discernunt avidi. Non ego te, candide Bassareu,
Invitum quatiam : nec variis obsita frondibus
Sub divum rapiam. Sasva tene cum Berecynthio
Cornu tympana, quae subsequitur caecus Amor sui,
Et tollens vacuum plus nimio Gloria verticem,
Arcanique Fides prodiga, perlucidior vitro.
5
10
15
ODE XVII.
AD MjECENATEM.
^W
0
v /
1
Vile potabis modicis Sabinum
Cantharis, Graeca quod ego ipse testa
Conditum levi, datus in theatro
Quum tibi plausus,
Care Maecenas eques, ut paterni
Fluminis ripae, simul et jocosa
2*
] 6 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Redderet laudes tibi Vaticani
Montis imago.
Caecubum et praelo domitam Caleno
Tu bibes uvam : mea nec Falernae 10
Temperant vites neque Formiani
Pocula colles.
ODE XVIII.
IN DIANAM ET APOLLINEM.
Dianam teneras dicite virgines :
Intonsum, pueri, dicite Cynthium :
Latonamque supremo
Dilectam penitus Jovi.
Vos laetam fluviis, et nemorum coma, 5
Quaecunque aut gelido prominet Algido,
Nigris aut Erymanthi
Silvis, aut viridis Cragi :
Vos Tempe totidem tollite laudibus,
Natalemque, mares, Delon Apollinis, 10
Insignemque pharetra,
Fraternaque humerum lyra.
Hic bellum lacrymosum, hic miseram famem
Pestemque, a populo et principe Caesare, in
Persas atque Britannos 15
Vestra motus aget prece.
CARMINUM LIB. I. 19
ODE XIX.
AD ARISTIUM FUSCUM.
Integer vitae scelerisque purus
Non eget Mauris jaculis, neque arcu,
Nec venenatis gravida sagittis,
,. Fusce, pharetra ;
Sive per Syrtes iter aestuosas, 5
Sive facturus per inhospitalem
Caucasum, vel quae loca fabulosus
<J S(^ Lambit Hydaspes.
r' Namque me silva lupus in Sabina,
Dum meam canto Lalagen, et ultra 10
Terminum curis vagor expeditis,
,. Fugit inermem : .-—•-"'
CL ....
(Gtuale portentum neque militaris
Daunias latis alit sesculetis -\
Nec Jubae tellus generat, leonum 15
Arida nutrix.
Pone me pigris ubi nuTTa"c"ampis
Arbor gstiva recreatur aura,
Quod latus mundi nebulae malusque
Jupiter urget ; 20
Pone sub curru nimium propinqui
Solis, in terra domibus negata :
Dulce ridentem Lalagen amabo,
Dulce loquentem.
1 . A«~
Ak
**
20 Q- HORATII FLACCI
/«€?-
3 k^<-"\ ODE XX.
V^
\ " * AD VIRGILIUM.
Quris desiderio sit pudor aut modus
Tam cari capitis ? Praecipe lugubres
Cantus, Melpomene, cui liquidam Pater
Vocem cum cithara dedit.
Ergo Quinctilium perpetuus sopor o
Urget ! cui Pudor, et Justitiae soror
Incorrupta Fides, nudaque Veritas,
Quando ullum inveniet parem 1
Multis ille bonis flebilis occidit ;
Nulli flebiiior quam tibi, Virgili. 10
Tu frustra pius, heu ! non ita creditum
Poscis Quinctilium deos.
Quod si Threicio blandius Orpheo
Auditam moderere arboribus fidem,
Non vanae redeat sanguis imagini 15
Quam virga semel horrida,
Non lenis precibus fata recludere,
Nigro compulerit Mercurius gregi.
Durum ! Sed levius fit patientia
Quidquid corrigere est nefas. 20
ODE XXI.
DE jELIO LAMIA,
Musis amicus, tristitiam et metus
Tradam protervis in mare Creticum
Portare ventis : quis sub Arcto
Rex gelidae metuatur orae,
CARMINUM LIB. I. • 21
Q,uid Teridaten terreat, unice 5
Securus. O, quse fontibus integris
Gaudes, apricos necte flores,
Necte meo Lamise coronam,
PimpleV dulcis ! nil sine te mei
Possunt honores : hunc fidibus novis, 10
Hunc Lesbio sacrare plectro,
Teque tuasque decet sorores.
ODE XXII.
AD SODALES.
Natis in usum laetitiae scyphis
Pugnare, Thracum est. Tollite barbarum
Morem, verecundumque Bacchum
Sanguineis prohibete rixis.
Vino et lucernis Medus acinaces
Immane quantum discrepat ! Impium
Lenite clamorem, sodales,
Et cubito remanete presso.
ODE XXIIL
ARCHYTAS.
: Te maris et terrae numeroque carentis arenae
Mensorem cohibent, Archyta,
Pulveris exigui prope littus parva Matinum
Munera ; nec quidquam tibi prodest
22 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Aerias tentasse domos, animoque rotundum o
Percurrisse polum, morituro ! "
11 Occidit et Pelopis genitor, conviva deorum,
Tithonusque remotus in auras,
Et Jovis arcanis Minos admissus : habentque
Tartara Panthoiden, iterum Orco 10
Demissum, quamvis, clypeo Trojana refixo
Tempora testatus, nihil ultra
Nervos atque cutem morti concesserat atrae ;
Judice me, non sordidus auctor
Naturae verique. Sed omnes una manet nox, 15
Et calcanda semel via leti.
Dant alios Furiae torvo spectacula Marti :
Exitio est avidum mare nautis :
Mixta senum ac juvenum densentur funera ; nullum
Saeva caput Proserpina fugit. 20
Me quoque devexi rapidus comes Orionis
Illyricis Notus obruit undis.
At tu, nauta, vagae ne parce malignus arenae
Ossibus et capiti inhumato
Particulam dare : sic, quodcunque minabitur Eurus 25
Fluctibus Hesperiis, Venusinae
Plectantur silvae, te sospite ; multaque merces,
Unde potest, tibi defluat aequo
Ab Jove, Neptunoque sacri custode Tarenti !
Negligis immeritis nocituram 30
Postmodo te natis fraudem committere 1 Fors et
Debita jura vicesque superbae
Te maneant ipsum : precibus non linquar inultis ;
Teque piaculal luna resolvent.
Quanquam festinas, non est mora longa ; licebit 35
Injecto ter pulvere curras."
CARMINUM LIB. I. 23
ODE XXIV.
AD ICCIUM.
Icci, beatis nunc Arabum invides
Gazis, et acrem militiam paras
Non ante devictis Sabasae
Regibus, horribilique Medo
Nectis catenas. Quae tibi virginum, 5
Sponso necato, barbara serviet 1
Puer quis ex aula capillis
Ad cyathum statuetur unctis,
Doctus sagittas tendere Sericas
Arcu paterno ? Quis neget arduis . 10
Pronos relabi posse rivos
Montibus, et Tiberim reverti ;
Quum tu coemptos undique nobiles
Libros Panseti, Socraticam et domum,
Mutare Joricis Iberis, 15
Pollicitus meliora, tendis ?
ODE XXV.
AD VENEREM.
O Vents, regina Gnidi Paphique,
Sperne dilectam Cypron, et vocantis
Thure te rnulto Glycerae decoram
Transfer in aedem.
Fervidus tecum puer, et solutis
Gratios zonis, properentque Nymphse,
Et parum comis sine te Juventas,
Mercuriusque.
24 Q. HORATII FLACCI
ODE XXVI.
AD APOLLINEM.
Quid dedicatum poscit Apollinem
Vates ? quid orat, de patera novum
Fundens liquorem ? Non opimas
Sardinise segetes feracis ;
Non SBstuosas grata Calabriae 5
Armenta ; non aurum aut ebur Indicum ;
Non rura quee Liris quieta
Mordet aqua, taciturnus amnis.
Premant Calena falce, quibus dedit
Fortuna, vitem : dives et aureis 10
Mepator exsiccet culullis
Vina Syra reparata merce,
Dis carus ipsis ; quippe ter et quater
Anno revisens sequor Atlanticum
Impune. Me pascant olivse, 15
Me cichorea, levesque malvaB.
Frui paratis et valido mihi,
Latoe, dones, et, precor, integra
Cum mente ; nec turpem senectam
Degere, nec cithara carentem. 20
ODE XXVII. a V
AD LYRAM.
V
Poscimur . . . si quid vacui sub umbra
Lusimus tecum, quod et hunc in annum
Vivat, et plures ; age, dic Latinum,
Barbite, carmen ;
3
CARMINUM LIB. I. 25
Lesbio primum modiilate civi,
Qui ferox bello, tameri inter arma,
Sive jactatam religarat udo
Littore navim,
Liberum, et Musas, Veneremque, et illi
Semper ha^rentem Puerum, canebat, 10
Et Lycum nigris oculis nigroque
Crine decorum.
O decus Phoebi, et dapibus supremi
Grata testudo Jovis, o laborum
Dulce lenimen, mihi cunque salve 15
Rite vocanti !
\ \ V — ~
AD SEIPSUM.
Parcus deorum cultor, et infrequens,
Insanientis dum sapientise
Consultus erro ; nunc retrorsum
Vela dare, atque iterare cursus
Cogor relictos./ Namque Diespiter
Igni corusco nubila dividens
Plerumque, per purum tonantes
Egit equos, volucremque currum :
Quo bruta tellus, et vaga flumina,
Quo Styx, et invisi horrida Tsenari 10
Sedes, Atlanteusque finis
Concutitur. / Valet ima summis
Mutare, et insignia attenuat Deus,
Obscura promens : hinc apicem rapax
Fortuna cum stridore acuto 15
Sustulit ; hic posuisse gaudet.
/
\ i ¥
o
20 Q. HORATII FLACCI
ODE XXIX.
AD FORTUNAM ANTIATEM.
O diva, gratum quse regis Antium,
Praesens vel imo tollere de gradu
Mortale corpus, vel superbos
Vertere funeribus triumphos :
Te pauper ambit sollicita prece 5
Ruris colonus ; te dominam sequoris,
Quicunque Bithyna lacessit
Carpathium pelagus carina.
Te Dacus asper, te profugi Scythae,
Urbesque, gentesque, et Latium ferox, 10
Regumque matres barbarorum, et
Purpurei metuunt tyranni,
Injurioso ne pede proruas
Stantem columnam, neu populus frequens
Ad arma cessantes ad arma 15
Concitet, imperiumque frangat.
Te semper anteit saeva Necessitas,
Clavos trabales et cuneos manu
Gestans ahena ; nec severus
Uncus abest, liquidumque plumbum. 20
Te Spes et albo rara Fides colit
Velata panno ; nec comitem abnegat,
Utcunque mutata potentes
Veste domos inimica linqnis.
At vulgus infidum et meretrix retro 2o
Perjura cedit : diffugiunt cadis
Cum faece siccatis amici,
Ferre jugum pariter dolosi.
Serves iturum Csesarem in ultimos
Orbis Britannos, et juvenum recens 30
CAKMINUM LIB. I. 27
Examen EoTs timendum
Partibus, Oceanoque Rubro.
Eheu ! cicatricum et sceleris pudet,
Fratrumque. Q,uid nos dura refugimus
" .^Etas ? quid intactum nefasti 35
Liquimus ? unde manum juventus
Metu deorum continuit? quibus
Pepercit aris ? . . . O utinam nova
Incude diffingas retusum in
Massagetas Arabasque ferrum ! 40
'ODE XXX. X.
AD PLOTIUM NUMIDAM.
Et thure et fidibus juvat
Placare, et vituli sanguine debito
Custodes Numidas deos,
Qui nunc Hesperia sospes ab ultima
Caris multa sodalibus, 5
Nulli plura tamen dividit oscula,
Q,uam dulci Lamiae ; memor
Actae non alio rege puertias,
Mutataeque simul togae.
Cressa ne careat pulchra dies nota ; 10
Neu promptas modus amphoraB :
Neu morem in Salium sit requies pedum :
Neu multi Damalis meri
Bassum Threiicia vincat amystide :
Neu desint epulis rosae, 15
Neu vivax apium, neu breve lilium.
28 Q. HORATII FLACCI
ODE XXXI.
AD SODALES.
Nunc est bibendum, nunc pede libero
Pulsanda tellus ; nunc Saliaribus
Ornare pulvinar deorurn
Tempus erat dapibus, sodales.
Antehac nefas depromere Cascubum 5
Cellis avitis, dum Capitolio
Regina dementes ruinas,
Funus et imperio parabat,
Contaminato cum grege turpium
Morbo virorum, quidlibet impotens 10
Sper-are, fortunaque dulci
Ebria. Sed minuit furorem
Vix una sospes navis ab ignibus :
Mentemque lymphatam Mareotico
Redegit in veros timores 15
Cassar, ab Italia volantem
Remis adurgens, accipiter velut
Molles columbas, aut leporem citus
Venator in campis nivaiis
HaemoniaJ, daret ut catenis 20
Fatale monstrum : quas generosius
Perire quserens, nec muliebriter
Expavit ensem, nec latentes
Classe cita reparavit orafi :
Ausa et jacentem visere regiam 55
Vultu sereno, fortis el asperas
Tractare serpentes, ut atrum
Corpore combiberet venenum ;
CARMINUM LIB. I. 29
Deliberata morte ferocior :
Saevis Liburnis scilicet invidens 30
Privata deduci superbo
Non humilis mulier triumpho.
ODE XXXII.
AD PUERUM.
l>J<s
Persicos odi, puer, apparatus ;
Displicent nexae philyra coronae :
Mitte sectari, rosa quo locorum
Sera moretur.
Simplici myrto nihil allabores 5
Sedulus curae : neque te ministrum
Dedecet myrtus, neque me sub arcta
Vite bibentem.
3*
Q. HORATII FLACCI
CARMINUM
LIBER SECUNDUS.
ODE I.
i
AD ASINIUM POLLIONEM.
Motum ex Metello consule civicum.
Bellique^causas, et vitia, et modos,
Ludumque Fortunss, gravesque
Principum amicitias, et arma
Nondum expiatis uncta cruoribus, 5
Periculosse plenum opus aleas,
Tractas, et incedis per ignes
Suppositos cineri doloso.
Paulum severae Musa tragcediee
Desit theatris : mox, ubi publicas 10
Res ordinaris, grande munus
Cecropio repetes cothurno,
Insigne mcestis praesidium reis,
Et consulenti, Pollio, curia? ;
Cui laurus ceternos honores 15
Dalmatico peperit triumpho.
Jam nunc minaci murmure cornuum
Perstringis aures : jam litui strepunt ;
Jam fulgor armorum fagaces
Terret equos, equitumque vultus. 20
GARMINUM LIB. II. 31
Audire magnos jam videor duces
Non indecoro pulvere sordidos,
Et cuncta terrarum subacta
Praeter atrocem animum Catonis.
Juno, et deorum quisquis amicior 25
Afris inulta cesserat impotens
Tellure, victorum nepotes
Rctulit inferias Jugurthae.
Quis non, Latino sanguine pinguior,
Campus sepulcris impia proelia 30
Testatur, auditumque Medis
Hesperiae soniturn ruinae ?
Q,ui gurges, aut quae flumina lugubris
Ignara belli ? quod mare Dauniae
Non decoloravere casdes ? 35
Quae caret ora cruore nostro ?
Sed ne, relictis, Musa procax, jocis,
Ceae retractes munera Naeniae :
Mecum Dionaeo sub antro
Quaere modos leviore plectro. 40
ODE II.
AD CRISPUM SALLUSTIUM.
•f
Nullus argento color est avaris
Abdito terris, inimice lamnse
Crispe Sallusti, nisi temperato
Splendeat usu.
Vivet extento Proculeius aevo, »
Notus. in fratres animi paterni :
Illum aget penna metuente solvi
Fama superstes.
32 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Latius regnes avidum domando
Spiritum, quam si Libyam remotis 10
Gadibus jungas, et uterque Poenus
Serviat uni.
Crescit indulgens sibi dirus hydrops ;
Nec sitim pellit, nisi causa morbi
Fugerit venis, et aquosus albo 15
Corpore languor.
Redditum Cyri solio Phraaten,
Dissidens plebi, numero beatorum
Eximit Virtus ; populumque falsis
Dedocet uti 20
Vocibus ; regnum et diadema tutum
Deferens uni, propriamque laurum,
Quisquis ingentes oculo irretorto
Spectat acervos.
ODE III.
AD DELLIUM.
•
iEauAM memento rebus in arduis
Servare mentem, non secus in bonis
Ab insolenti temperatam
Lastitia, moriture Delli,
Seu moestus omni tempore vixeris, t 5
Seu te in remoto gramine per dies
Festos reclinatum bearis ' '
Interiore nota Falerni,
Qua pinus ingens albaque populus
Umbram hospitalem consociare amant . y ,10
Ramis, qua et obliquo laborat •
Lympha fugax trepidare rivo. >
,, • t
• i J
CARMINUM LIB. II. 33
Huc vina, et unguenta, et nimium brevis
Flores amoenos ferre jube rosae,
Dum res, et astas, et Sororum 15
Fila trium patiuntur atra.
Cedes coemptis saltibus, et doino,
Villaque flavus quam Tiberis lavit :
Cedes ; et exstructis in altum
Divitiis potietur haeres. 20
Divesne, prisco natus ab Inacho,
Nil interest, an pauper, et infima
De gente, sub divo moreris,
Victima nil miserantis Orci.
Omnes eodem cogimur : omnium 25
Versatur urna ; serius ocius
Sors exitura, et nos in aeternum
Exsilium impositura cymbas.
ODE IV.
AD SEPTIMIUM.
Septimi, Gades aditure mecum, et
Cantabrum indoctum juga ferre nostra, et
Barbaras Syrtes, ubi Maura semper
yEstuat unda :
Tibur, Argeo positum colono, 5
Sit meae sedes utinam senectae !
Sit modus lasso maris, et viarum,
Militiaeque !
Unde si Parcae prohibent iniquae,
Dulce pellitis ovibus Galaesi 10
34 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Flumen, et regnata petam Laconi
Rura Phalanto.
Ille terrarum mihi prseter omnes
Angulus ridet, ubi non Hymetto
Mella decedunt, viridique certat 15
Bacca Venafro ;
Ver ubi longum, tepidasque prsebet
Jupiter brumas ; et amicus Aulon
Fertili Baccho minimum Falernis
Invidet uvis. 20
Ule te mecum locus et beatae
Postulant arces : ibi tu calentem
Debita sparges lacryma favillam
Vatis amici.
ODE V.
AD POMPEIUM.
O S.EPE mecum tempus in ultimum
Deducte, Bruto militise duce,
duis te redonavit Quiritem
Dis patriis, Italoque cceIo,
Pompei, meorum prime sodalium ? 5
Cum quo morantem saepe diem mero
Fregi, coronatus nitentes
Malobathro Syrio capillos 1
Tecum Philippos et celerem fugam
Sensi, relicta non bene parmula, 10
Quum fracta virtus et minaces
Turpe solum tetigere mento.
Sed me per hostes Mercurius celer
CARMINUM LIB. II.
35
Denso paventem sustulit aere :
Te rursus in bellum resorbens 15
Unda fretis tulit aestuosis.
Ergo obligatam redde Jovi dapem,
Longaque fessum militia latus
Depone sub lauro mea : nec
Parce cadis tibi destinatis. 20
Oblivioso levia Massico
Ciboria exple : funde capacibus
Unguenta de conchis. Quis udo
Deproperare apio coronas
Curatve myrto 1 quem Venus arbitrum
Dicet bibendi 1 Non ego sanius
Bacchabor Edonis : recepto
Dulce mihi furere est amico.
2*
ODE VI.
AD VALGIUM.
Non semper imbres nubibus hispidos
Manant in agros, aut mare Caspium
Vexant inaequales procellaa
Usque ; nec Armeniis in oris,
Amice Valgi, stat glacies iners 5
Menses per omnes ; aut Aquilonibus
Querceta Gargani laborant,
Et foliis viduantur orni.
Tu semper urges flebilibus modis
"ivsten ademptum : nectibi Vespero 10
Surgente decedunc amores,
Nec rapidum fugiente Solem.
36
Q. HORATII FLACCI
At non ter aevo functus amabilem
Ploravit omnes Antilochum senex
Annos : nec impubem parentes
Troilon, aut Phrygiae sorores,
Flevere semper. Desine mollium
Tandem querelarum : et potius nova
Cantemus Augusti tropaea
Caesaris, et rigidum Niphaten,
Medumque flumen, gentibus additum
Victis, minores volvere vortices,
Intraque praescriptum Gelonos
Exiguis equitare campis.
15
20
~Z ODE VII.
AD LICINIUM.
Rectius vives, Licini, neque altum
Semper urgendo, neque, dum procellas
Cautus horrescis, nimium premendo
Littus iniquum.
Auream quisquis mediocritatem
Diligit, tutus caret obsoleti
Sordibus tecti, caret invidenda
Sobrius aula.
Ssevius ventis agitatur ingens
Pinus : et celsae graviore casu
Decidunt turres : feriuntque summos
Fulgura montes.
Sperat infestis, metuit secundis,
Alteram sortem bene praeparatum
Pectus. Informes hiemes reducit
Jupiter, idem
10
15
CARMINUM LIB. II. 37
Submovet. Non, si male nunc, et olim
Sic erit : quondam cithara tacentem
Suscitat Musam, neque semper arcum
Tendit, Apollo. 20
Rebus angustis animosus atque
Fortis appare : sapienter idem
Contrahes vento nimium secundo
Turgida vela.
ODE VIII.
AD QUINCTIUM.
Quid bellicosus Cantaber, et Scythes,
Hirpine duincti, cogitet, Hadria
Divisus objecto, remittas
duserere : nec trepides in usum
Poscentis sBvi pauca. Fugit retro 5
Levis Juventas, et Decor, arida
Pellente lascivos Amores
Canitie, facilemque Somnum.
Non semper idem floribus est honor
Vernis ; neque uno Luna rubens nitet 10
Vultu : quid aeternis minorem
Consiliis animum fatigas 1
Cur non sub alta vel platano vel hac
Pinu jacentes sic temere, et rosa.
Canos odorati capillos, 15
Dum licet, Assyriaque nardo
Potamus uncti ? Dissipat Evius
Curas edaces. Q,uis puer ocius
Restinguet ardentis Falerni
Pocula prsetereunte lympha ? 20
38 Q. HORATII FLACCI
ODE IX.
AD JVLECENATEM.
Nolis longa ferae bella NumantiaB,
Nec durum Hannibalem, nec Siculum mare
Pceno purpureum sanguine, mollibus
Aptari citharae modis ;
Nec saevos Lapithas, et nimium mero 5
Hylaeum ; domitosve Herculea manu
Telluris juvenes, unde periculum
Fulgens contremuit domus
Saturni veteris. Tuque pedestribus
Dices historiis proelia Caesaris, 10
Maecenas, melius, ductaque per vias
" Regum colla minantium.
Me dulces dominae Musa Licymniae
Cantus, me voluit dicere lucidum
Fulgentes oculos, et bene mutuis 15
Fidum pectus amoribus :
Q,uam nec ferre pedem dedecuit choris,
Nec certare joco, nec dare brachia
Ludentem nitidis virginibus, sacro
Dianae celebris die. 20
Num tu, quse tenuit dives Achaemenes,
Aut pinguis Phrygiae Mygdonias opes,
Permutare velis crine Licymniae,
Plenas aut Arabum domos 1
CARMINUM LIB. II. 39
ODE X.
IN ARB9REM.
Ille et nefasto te posuit die,
Quicunque primum et sacrilega manu
Produxit, arbos, in nepotum
Perniciem, opprobriumque pagi :
Illum et parentis crediderim sui 5
Fregisse cervicem, et penetralia
Sparsisse nocturno cruore
Hospitis : ille venena Colcha,
Et quidquid usquam concipitur nefas,
Tractavit, agro qui statuit meo 10
Te, triste lignum, te, caducum
In domini caput immerentis,.
Quid quisque vitet, nunquam homini satis
Cautum est, in horas. Navita Bosporum
Poenus perhorrescit, neque ultra 15
Caeca timet aliunde fata ;
Miles sagittas et celerem fugam
Parthi ; catenas Parthus et Italum
Robur : sed improvisa leti
Vis rapuit rapietque gentes. ^/\ 20
Quam pene furvae regna Proserpinae,
Et judicantem vidimus ^Eacum ;
Sedesque discretas piorum et
^Eoliis fidibus querentem
Sappho puellis de popularibus ; 25
Et te sonantem plenius aureo,
Alcaee, plectro dura navis,
Dura fugae mala, dura belli !
Utrumque sacro digna silentio
Mirantur umbrae dicere : sed magis 30
40 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Pugnas et exactos tyrannos
Densum humeris bibit aure vulgus.
Quid mirum, ubi illis carminibus stupens
Demittit atras bellua centiceps
Aures, et intorti capillis 35
Eumenidum recreantur angues ?
Q,uin et Prometheus, et Pelopis parens,
Dulci laborum decipitur sono :
Nec curat Orion leones
Aut timidos agitare lyncas. 40
ODE XI.
AD POSTHUMUM.
Eheu ! fugaces, Posthume, Posthume,
Labuntur anni : nec pietas moram
Rugis et instanti senectas
Afferet, indomitsque morti.
Non, si trecenis quotquot eunt dies, 5
Amice, places illacrymabilem
Plutona tauris ; qui ter amplum
Geryonen Tityonque tristi
Compescit unda, scilicet omnibus,
Quicunque terrae munere vescimur, 10
Enaviganda, sive reges,
Sive inopes erimus coloni.
Frustra cruento Marte carebimus,
Fractisque rauci fluctibus Hadrise ;
Frustra per autumnos nocentem 15
Corporibus metuemus Austrum.
CARMINUM LIB. II. 41
Visendus ater flumine languido
Cocytus errans, et Danai" genus
Infame, damnatusque longi
Sisyphus ^Eolides laboris. 20
Linquenda tellus, et domus, et placens
Uxor : neque harum quas colis arborum
Te, praeter invisas cupressos,
Ulla brevem dominum sequetur. v
Absumet haeres Caecuba dignior 25
Servata centum clavibus ; et mero
Tinget pavimentum superbum —
Pontificum potiore coenis f
ODE XII.
IN SUI SiECULI LUXURIAM.
N ^ \
Jam pauca aratro jugera regiae
Moles relinquent : undique latius
Extenta visentur Lucrino
Stagna lacu ; platanusque coelebs
Evincet ulmos : tum violaria et 5
Myrtus, et omnis copia narium
Spargent olivetis odorem,
Fertilibus domino priori :
Tum spissa ramis laurea fervidos
Excludet ictus. Non ita Romuli 10
Praescriptum et intonsi Catonis
Auspiciis, veterumque norma.
Privatus illis census erat brevis,
Commune magnum : nulla decempedis
Metata privatis opacam 15
Porticus excipiebat Arcton :
4*
42 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Nec fortuitum spernere cespitem
Leges sinebant, oppida publico
Sumptu jubentes et deorum
Templa novo decorare saxo. 20
ODE XIII.
AD GROSPHUM.
Otium divos rogat in patenti
Prensus ^Egseo, simul atra nubes
Condidit lunam, neque certa fulgent
Sidera nautis :
Otium bello furiosa Thrace, 5
Otium Medi pharetra decori,
Grosphe, non gemmis, neque purpura ve-
nale, neque auro.
Non enim gazae, neque consularis
Submovet lictor miseros tumultus 10
Mentis, et curas laqueata circum
Tecta volantes.
Vivitur parvo bene, cui paternum
Splendet in mensa tenui salinum :
Nec leves somnos timor aut cupido 15
Sordidus aufert.
Q,uid brevi fortes jaculamur asvo
Multa ? Q,uid terras alio calentes
Sole mutamus 1 Patriae quis exsul
Se quoque fugit 1 20
Scandit aeratas vitiosa naves
Cura ; nec turmas equitum relinquit,
CARMINUM LIB. II.
43
Ocior cervis, et agente nimbos
Ocior Euro.
Laetus in praesens animus quod ultra est
Oderit curare, et amara lento
Temperet risu. Nihil est ab omni
Parte beatum.
Abstulit clarum cita mors Achillem ;
Longa Tithonum minuit senectus ;
Et mihi forsan, tibi quod negarit,
Porriget hora.
Te greges centum Siculaeque circum
Mugiunt vaccae ; tibi tollit hinnitum
Apta quadrigis equa ; te bis Afro
Murice tinctas
Vestiunt lanae : mihi parva rura et
Spiritum Graiae tenuem Camoenae
Parca non mendax dedit, et malignum
Spernere vulgus.
25
30
35
40
ODE XIV.
AD M.-ECENATEM jEGROTUM.
Cur me querelis exanimas tuis ?
Nec dis amicum est, nec mihi, te prius
Obire, Maecenas, mearum
Grande decus columenque rerum.
Ah ! te meae si partem animae rapit
Maturior vis, quid moror altera,
Nec carus aeque, nec superstes
Integer V Ille dies utramque
. vft
44 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Ducet ruinam. Non ego perfidum
Dixi sacramentum : ibimus, ibimus, 10
Utcunque praecedes, supremum
Carpere iter comites parati.
Me nec Chimaerae spiritus igneae,
Nec, si resurgat centimanus Gyges,
Divellet unquam : sic potenti 15
• Justitiae placitumque Parcis.
Seu Libra, seu me Scorpius aspicit
Formidolosus, pars violentior
Natalis horae, seu tyrannus
Hesperiae Capricornus undae ; 20
Utrumque nostrum incredibili modo
Consentit astrura. Te Jovis impio
Tutela Saturno refulgens
Eripuit, volucrisque fati
Tardavit alas, quum populus frequens 25
Laetum theatris ter crepuit sonum :
Me truncus illapsus cerebro
Sustulerat, nisi Faunus ictum
Dextra levasset, Mercurialium
Custos virorum. Reddere victimas 30
iEdemque votivam memento :
Nos humilem feriemus agnam.
\
ODE XV.
Non ebur, neque aureum
Mea renidet in domo lacunar :
Non trabes Hymettise
Premunt columnas ultima recisas
CARMINUM LIB. II. 45
Africa : neque Attali 5
Ignotus haeres regiam occupavi :
Nec Laconicas mihi
Trahunt honestae purpuras clientae.
At fides et ingeni
Benigna vena est ; pauperemque dives 10
Me petit : nihil supra
Deos lacesso ; nec potentem amicum
Largiora flagito,
Satis beatus unicis Sabinis.
Truditur dies die, 15
Novoeque pergunt interire lunae :
Tu secanda marmora
Locas sub ipsum iunus ; et, sepulcri
Immemor, struis domos ;
Marisque Baiis obstrepentis urges 20
Submovere littora,
Parum locuples continente ripa.
Quid 1 quod usque proximos
Revellis agri terminos, et ultra
Limites clientium 25
Salis avarus ; pellitur paternos
In sinu ferens deos
Et uxor, et vir, sordidosque natos !
Nulla certior tamen,
Rapacis Orci fine destinata, 30
Aula divitem manet
Herum. duid ultra. tendis 1 iEqua tellus
Pauperi recluditur
Regumque pueris : nec satelles Orci
Callidum Promethea 35
Revexit, auro captus. Hic superbum
Tantalum atque Tantali
Gehus coercet : hic levare functum
46 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Pauperem laboribus,
Vocatus atque non vocatus, audit. 40
ODE XVI.
IN BACCHUM.
Bacchum in remotis carmina rupibus
Vidi docentem (credite, posteri),
Nymphasque discentes, et aures
Capripedum Satyrorum acutas.
Evoe ! recenti mens trepidat metu, 5
Plenoque Bacchi pectore turbidum
Lsetatur ! Evoe ! parce, Liber !
Parce, gravi metuende thyrso !
Fas pervicaces est mihi Thyiadas,
Vinique fontem, lactis et uberes 10
Cantare rivos, atque truncis
Lapsa cavis iterare mella.
Fas et beatae conjugis additum
Stellis honorem, tectaque Penthei
Disjecta non leni ruina, 15
Thracis et exitium Lycurgi.
Tu flectis amnes, tu mare barbarum :
Tu separatis uvidus in jugis
Nodo coerces viperino
Bistonidum sine fraude crines : 20
Tu, quum parentis regna per arduum
Cohors Gigantum scanderet impia,
Rhcetum retorsisti leonis
Unguibus horribilique mala ;
CARMINUM LIB. II. 47
Quanquam, choreis aptior et jocis 25
Ludoque dictus, non sat idoneus
Pugnse ferebaris : sed idem
Pacis eras mediusque belli.
Te vidit insons Cerberus aureo
Cornu decorum, leniter atterens 30
Caudam ; et recedentis trilingui
Ore pedes tetigitque crura.
ODE XVII.
AD MiECENATEM.
Non usitata, non tenui ferar
Penna biformis per liquidum aethera
Vates : neque in terris morabor
Longius : invidiaque major
Urbes relinquam. Non ego, pauperum 5
Sanguis parentum, non ego, quem vocas
Dilecte, Maecenas, obibo,
Nec Stygia cohibebor unda.
Jam jam residunt cruribus asperae
Pelles : et album mutor in alitem 10
Superna : nascunturque leves
Per digitos humerosque plumae.
Jam Daedaleo ocior Icaro
Visam gementis littora Bospori,
Syrtesque Gaetulas, canorus 15
Ales, Hyperboreosque campos.
Me Colchus, et qui dissimuJat metum
Marsae cohortis Dacus, et ultimi
43 CARMINUM LIB. II.
Noscent Geloni : me peritus
Discet Iber, Rhodanique potor. 20
' Absint inani funere nsenise,
Luctusque turpes, et querimonise :
Compesce clamorem, ac sepulcri
Mitte supervacuos honores.
Q. HORATII FLACCI
C A R M I N U M
LIBER TERTIUS.
ODE I.
Odi profanum vulgus, et arceo.
Favete linguis : carmina non prius
Audita Musarum sacerdos
Virginibus puerisque canto.
Regum timendorum in proprios greges, 5
Reges in ipsos imperium est Jovis,
Clari Giganteo triumpho,
Cuncta supercilio moventis.
Est ut viro vir latius ordinet
Arbusta sulcis ; hic generosior 10
Descendat in Campum petitor ;
Moribus hic meliorque fama
Contendat ; illi turba clientium
Sit major : asqua lege Necessitas
Sortitur insignes et imos ; 15
Omne capax movet urna nomen.
Districtus ensis cui super impia
Cervice pendet, non Siculae dapes
Dulcem elaborabunt saporem ;
Non avium citharseque cantus 20
5
50 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Somnum reducent. Somnus agrestium
Lenis virorum non humiles domos
Fastidit, umbrosamve ripam,
Non Zephyris agitata Tempe :
Desiderantem quod satis est, neque 25
Tumultuosum sollicitat mare,
Nec saevus Arcturi cadentis
Impetus, aut orientis Hcedi :
Non verberatae grandine vineae ;
Fundusve mendax, arbore nunc aquas 30
Culpante, nunc torrentia agros
Sidera, nunc hiemes iniquas.
Contracta pisces sequora sentiunt,
Jactis in altum molibus : huc frequens
Caementa demittit redemptor 35
Cum famulis, dominusque terra?,
Fastidiosus : sed Timor et Minae
Scandunt eodem quo dominus ; neque
Decedit aerata triremi, et
Post equitem sedet atra Cura. 40
Q,uod si dolentem nec Phrygius lapis,
Nec purpurarum sidere clarior
Delenit usus, nec Falerna
Vitis, Achsemeniumve costum ;
Cur invidendis postibus et novo 45
Sublime ritu moliar atrium 1
Cur valle permutem Sabina
Divitias operosiores 1
CARMINUM LIB. III. 51
ODE II.
Angustam amice pauperiem pati
Robustus acri militia puer
Condiscat ; et Parthos feroces
Vexet eques metuendus hasta :
Vitamque sub divo et trepidis agat 5
In rebus. Ulum ex moenibus hosticis
Matrona bellantis tyranni
Prospiciens, et adulta virgo,
Suspiret : " Eheu ! ne rudis agminum
Sponsus lacessat regius asperum 10
Tactu leonem, quem cruenta
Per medias rapit ira caedes."
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori :
Mors et fugacem persequitur virum,
Nec parcit imbellis juventae 15
Poplitibus timidove tergo.
Virtus, repulsae nescia sordidae,
Intaminatis fulget honoribus :
Nec sumit aut ponit secures
Arbitrio popularis aurae. 120
Virtus, recludens immeritis mori
Ccelum, negata tentat iter via :
Ccetusque vulgares et udam
Spernit humum fugiente penna.
Est et fideli tuta silentio 25
Merces : vetabo, qui Cereris sacrum
Vulgarit arcanae, sub isdem
Sit trabibus, fragilemve mecum
Solvat faselum. Saepe Diespiter
Neglectus incesto addidit integrum : 30
Raro antecedentem scelestum
Deseruit pede Pcena claudo.
52 Q. HORATII FLACCI
ODE III.
Justum ac tenacem propositi virum
Non civium ardor prava jubentium,
Non vultus instantis tyranni
Mente quatit solida, neque Auster,
Dux inquieti turbidus Hadriee, 5
Nec fulminantis magna Jovis manus :
Si fractus illabatur orbis,
Impavidum ferient ruinse.
Hac arte Pollux, et vagus Hercules,
Enisus, arces attigit igneas : 10
Q,uos inter Augustus recumbens
Purpureo bibit ore nectar.
Hac te merentem, Bacche pater, tuus
Vexere~tigres, indocili jugum
Collo trahentes. Hac Quirinus 15
Martis equis Acheronta fugit ;
Gratum eloquuta consiliantibus
Junone divis : " Ilion, Uion
Fatalis, incestusque judex,
Et mulier peregrina, vertit 20
In pulverem, ex quo destituit deos
Mercede pacta Laomedon, mihi
Castseque damnatum Minervse
Cum populo et duce fraudulento.
Jam nec Lacaenae splendet adulterse 25
Famosus hospes, nec Priami domus
Perjura pugnaces Achivos
Hectoreis opibus refiingit :
Nostrisque ductum seditionibus
Bellum resedit. Protenus et graves 30
Iras, et invisum nepotem,
Troica quem peperit sacerdos,
CARMINUM LIB. III. 53
Marti redonabo. Illum ego lucidas
Inire sedes, ducere nectaris
Succos, et adscribi quietis 35
Ordinibus patiar deorum.
Dum longus inter sseviat Ilion
Romamque pontus ; qualibet exsules
In parte regnanto beati :
Dum Priami Paridisque busto 40
Insultet armentum, et catulos ferae
Celent inultae ; stet Capitolium
Fulgens, triumphatisque possit
Roma ferox dare jura Medis.
Horrenda late nomen in ultimas 45
Extendat oras ; qua medius liquor
Secernit Europen ab Afro,
Q,ua tumidus rigat arva Nilus :
Aurum irrepertum, et sic melius situm
Q,uum terra celat, spernere fortior, £0
Quam cogere humanos in usus,
Omne sacrum rapiente dextra.
Quicunque mundo terminus obstitit,
Hunc tangat armis, visere gestiens
Qua parte debacchentur ignes, 55
Qua nebulae pluviique rores.
Sed bellicosis fata Quiritibus
Hac lege dico, ne, nimium pii,
Rebusque fidentes, avitae
Tecta velint reparare Trojae. 60
Trojae renascens alite lugubri
Fortuna tristi clade iterabitur,
Ducente victrices catervas
Conjuge me Jovis et sorore.
Ter si resurgat murus aheneus 66
Auctore Phcebo ; ter pereat meis
5*
54 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Excisus Argivis ; ter uxor
Capta virum puerosque ploret."
Non hsec jocosae conveniunt lyrse.
Q,uo, Musa, tendis ? Desine pervicax 70
Referre sermones deorum, et
Magna modis tenuare parvis.
ODE IV.
AD CALLIOPEN.
Descende coelo, dic age tibia
Regina longum, Calliope, melos,
Seu-voce nunc mavis acuta,
Seu fidibus citharaque Phcebi.
Auditis ? an me ludit amabilis 5
Insania ? Audire et videor pios
Errare per lucos, amcense
Q,uos et aquae subeunt et aurse.
Me fabulosae, Vulture in Appulo,
Altricis extra limen Apuliae, 10
Ludo fatigatumque somno
Fronde nova puerum palumbes
Texere : mirum quod foret omnibus,
Quicunque celsa? nidum Acherontise,
Saltusque Bantinos, et arvum 15
Pino;ue tenent humilis Forenti ;
Ut tuto ab atris corpore viperis
Dormirem et ursis ; ut premerer sacra
Lauroque collataque myrto,
Non sine dis animosus infans. *20
Vester, CamcenDe, vester in arduos
CARMINUM LIB. III. 55
Tollor Sabinos ; seu mihi frigidum
Praeneste, seu Tibur supinum,
Seu liquidae placuere Baiae.
Vestris amicum fontibus et choris 25
Non me Philippis versa acies retro,
Devota non exstinxit arbos,
Nec Sicula Palinurus unda.
Utcunque mecum vos eritis, libens
Insanientem navita Bosporum 30
Tentabo, et arentes arenas
Littoris Assyrii viator :
Visam Britannos hospitibus feros,
Et laetum equino sanguine Concanum ;
Visam pharetratos Gelonos, 35
Et Scythicum inviolatus amnem.
Vos Ccesarem altum, militia simul
Fessas cohortes abdidit oppidis,
Finire quaerentem labores
Pierio recreatis antro. 40
Vos lene consilium et datis, et dato
Gaudetis, almae. Scimus ut impios
Titanas immanemque turmam
Fulmine sustulerit caduco,
Qui terram inertem, qui mare temperat 45
Ventosum, et urbes, regnaque tristia,
Divosque, mortalesque turbas,
Imperio regit unus aequo.
Magnum illa terrorem intulerat Jovi
Fidens juventus horrida brachiis, 50
Fratresque tendentes opaco
Pelion imposuisse Olympo.
Sed quid Typhceus, et validus Mimas,
Aut quid minaci Porphyrion statu,
Quid Rhcetus, evulsisque truncis 55
56 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Enceladus jaculator audax,
Contra sonantem Palladis segida
Possent ruentes 1 Hinc avidus stetit
Vulcanus ; hinc matrona Juno, et
Nunquam humeris positurus arcum, 60
Qui rore puro Castaliae lavit
Crines solutos, qui Lyciae tenet
Dumeta natalemque silvam,
Delius et Patareus Apollo.
Vis consili expers mole ruit sua : 65
Vim temperatam di quoque provehunt
In majus : idem odere vires
Omne nefas animo moventes.
Testis mearum centimanus Gyges
Sententiarum ; notus et integrae 70
Tentator Orion Dianae,
Virginea domitus sagitta.
Injecta monstris terra dolet suis,
Moeretque partus fulmine luridum
Missos ad Orcum : nec peredit 75
Impositam celer ignis ^Etnen :
Incontinentis nec Tityi jecur
Relinquit ales, nequitiae additus
Custos : amatorem trecentse
Pirithoiim cohibent catenae. 80
ODE V.
Cgelo tonantem credidimus Jovem
Regnare : praesens divus habebitur
Augustus, adjectis Britannis
Imperio, gravibusque Persis.
CARMINUM LIB. III. 57
Milesne Crassi conjuge barbara 5
Turpis maritus vixit ! et hostium
(Proh curia, inversique mores !)
Consenuit socerorum in arvis,
Sub rege Medo, Marsus et Appulus,
Anciliorum et nominis et togae 10
Oblitus, seternseque Vestae,
Incolumi Jove et urbe Roma !
Hoc caverat mens provida Reguli,
Dissentientis conditionibus
Foedis, et exemplo trahenti 15
Perniciem veniens in aevum,
Si non periret immiserabilis
Captiva pubes. " Signa ego Punicis
Affixa delubris, et arma
Militibus sine caede," dixit, 20
" Direpta vidi : vidi ego civium
Retorta tergo brachia libero,
Portasque non clausas, et arva
Marte coli populata nostro.
Auro repensus scilicet acrior 25
Miles redibit ? Flagitio additis
Damnum. Neque amissos colores
Lana refert medicata fuco ;
Nec vera virtus, quum semel excidit,
Curat reponi deterioribus. 30
Si pugnat extricata densis
Cerva plagis : erit ille fortis,
Q,ui perfidis se credidit hostibus;
Et Marte Pcenos proteret altero,
Qui lora restrictis lacertis 35
Sensit iners, timuitque mortem.
Hic, unde vitam sumeret inscius,
Pacem duelJo miscuit. O pudor !
58 Q- HORATII FLACCI
O magna Carthago, probrosis
Altior Italiae ruinis ! " 40
Fertur pudicae conjugis osculum,
Parvosque natos, ut capitis minor,
Ab se removisse, et virilem
Torvus humi posuisse vultum :
Donec labantes consilio patres 45
Firmaret auctor nunquam alias dato,
Interque mcerentes amicos
Egregius properaret exsul.
Atqui sciebat quse sibi barbarus
Tortor pararet : non aliter tamen 50
Dimovit obstantes proquinquos,
Et populum reditus morantem,
Quam si clientum longa negotia
Dijudicata lite relinqueret,
Tendens Venafranos in agros, 55
Aut Lacedsemonium Tarentum.
ODE VI.
AD ROMANOS.
Delicta majorum immeritus lues,
Romane, donec templa refeceris,
iEdesque labentes deorum, et
Fceda nigro simulacra fumo.
Dis te minorem quod geris, imperas :
Hinc omne principium, huc refer exitum.
Di multa neglecti dederunt
Hesperiae mala luctuosae.
CARMINUM LIB. III. 59
Jam bis Monaeses et Pacori manus
Non auspicatos contudit impetus 10
Nostros, et adjecisse praedam
Torquibus exiguis renidet.
Pene occupatam seditionibus
Delevit urbem Dacus et ^Ethiops :
Hic classe formidatus, ille 15
Missilibus melior sagittis.
Fcecunda culpae saecula nuptias
Primum inquinavere et genus et domos :
Hoc fonte derivata clades
In patriam populumque fluxit. 20
Motus doceri gaudet Ionicos
Matura virgo, et fingitur artibus :
Jam nunc et incestos amores
De tenero meditatur ungui.
Non his juventus orta parentibus 25
Infecit aequor sanguine Punico,
Pyrrhumque et ingentem cecidit
Antiochum, Hannibalemque dirum :
Sed rusticorum mascula militum
Proles, Sabellis docta ligonibus 30
Versare glebas, et severae
Matris ad arbitrium recisos
Portare fustes, sol ubi montium
Mutaret umbras, et juga demeret
Bobus fatigatis, amicum 35
Tempus agens abeunte curru.
Damnosa quid non imminuit dies ?
iEtas parentum, pejor avis, tulit
Nos nequiores, mox daturos
Progeniem vitiosiorem. 40
60 Q- HORATII FLACCI
ODE VII.
AD M.ECENATEM.
Martiis ccelebs quid agam kalendis,
Quid velint flores, et acerra thuris
Plena, miraris, positusque carbo in
Cespite vivo,
Docte sermones utriusque linguae. 5
Voveram dulces epulas et album
Libero caprum, prope funeratus
Arboris ictu.
Hic dies anno redeunte festus
Corticem astrictum pice dimovebit 10
Amphorae, fumum bibere institutse
Consule Tullo.
Sume, Ma^cenas, cyathos amici
Sospitis centum ; et vigiles lucernas
Perfer in lucem : procul omnis esto 15
Clamor et ira.
Mitte civiles super Urbe curas :
Occidit Daci Cotisonis agmen :
Medus infestis sibi luctuosus
Dissidet armis : 20
Servit, Hispanse vetus hostis orse,
Cantaber, sera domitus catena :
Jam Scythae laxo meditantur arcu
Cedere campis.
Negligens, ne qua populus laboret, 25
Parce privatus nimium cavere ;
Dona prresentis cape lajtus horae, et
Linque severa.
CARMINUM LIB. III. 6l
ODE VIII.
AD MERCURIUM.
Mercuri, (nam te docilis magistro
Movit Amphion lapides canendo,)
Tuque, testudo, resonare septem
Callida nervis,
Nec loquax olim neque grata, nunc et 5
Divitum mensis et amica templis,
Dic modos Lyde quibus obstinatas
Applicet aures ;
Tu potes tigres comitesque silvas
Ducere, et rivos celeres morari. 10
Cessit immanis tibi blandienti
Janitor auloe
Cerberus ; quamvis furiale centum
Muniant angues caput ejus, atque
Spiritus teter saniesque manet 15
Ore trilingui.
Qnin et Ixion Tityosque vultu
Risit iuvito : stetit urna paulum
Sicca, dum grato Danai' puellas
Carmine mulces. 20
Audiat Lyde scelus atque notas
Virginum poenas, et inane lymphae
Dolium fundo pereuntis imo,
Seraque fata
Q,uae manent culpas etiam sub Orco. 25
Impiae, (nam quid potuere majus ?)
Impise sponsos potuere duro
Perdere ferro !
Una de multis, face nuptiali
Digna, perjurum fuit in parentem 30
6
52 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Splendide mendax, et in omne virgo
Nobilis sevum :
" Surge," quae dixit juveni marito,
" Surge, ne longus tibi somnus, unde
Non times, detur : socerum et scelestas 35
Falle sorores ;
Quae, velut nactae vitulos leaenae,
Singulos, eheu ! lacerant. Ego, illis
Mollior, nec te feriam, neque intra
Claustra tenebo. 40
Me pater saevis oneret catenis,
Q,uod viro clemens misero peperci ;
Me vel extremos Numidarum in agros
Classe releget.
I pedes qud te rapiunt et aurae, 45
Dum favet nox et Venus : i secundo
Omine, et nostri memorem sepulcro
Scalpe querelam."
ODE IX.
AD FONTEM BANDUSIUM.
\\ 1
O fons Bandusiae, splendidior vitro,
Dulci digne mero non sine floribus,
Cras donaberis hoedo,
Cui frons turgida cornibus
Primis, et Venerem et prcelia destinat :
Frustra ; nam gelidos inficiet tibi
Rubro sanguine rivos
Lascivi soboles gregis.
CARMINUM LIB. III. 63
Te flagrantis atrox hora Caniculae
Nescit tangere : tu frigus amabile 10
Fessis vomere tauris
Praebes et pecori vago.
Fies nobilium tu quoque fontium,
Me dicente cavis impositam ilicem
Saxis, unde loquaces 15
Lymphae desiliunt tuae.
ODE X.
AD ROMANOS.
Herculis ritu, modo dictus, o plebs,
Morte venalem petiisse laurum,
Caesar Hispana repetit Penates
Victor ab ora.
Unico gaudens mulier marito 5
Prodeat, justis operata divis ;
Et soror clari ducis : et decorae
Supplice vitta
Virginum matres juvenumque nuper
Sospitum. Vos, o pueri, et pwellae 10
Jam virum expertae, male ominatis
Parcite verbis.
Hic dies vere mihi festus atras
Eximet curas : ego nec tumultum,
Nec mori per vim metuam, tenente 15
Cassare terras.
I, pete unguentum, puer, et coronas,
Et cadum Marsi memorem duelli,
Spartacum si qua potuit vagantem
Fallere testa. 20
64 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Dic et argutae properet Neaerae
Myrrhinum nodo cohibere crinem :
Si per invisum mora janitorem
Fiet, abito.
Lenit albescens animos capillus 25
Litium et rixae cupidos protervae :
Non ego hoc ferrem, calidus juventa,
Consule Planco.
ODE XI.
AD M-ECENATEM.
Inclusam Danaen turris ahenea,
Robustseque fores, et vigilum canum
Tristes excubiae, munierant satis
Nocturnis ab adulteris ;
Si non Acrisium, virginis abditae 5
Custodem pavidum, Jupiter et Venus
Risissent : fore enim tutum iter et patens
Converso in pretium deo.
Aurum per medios ire satellites,
Et perrumpere amat.saxa, potentius 10
Ictu fulmineo. Concidit auguris
Argivi domus, ob lucrum
Demersa excidio. Diffidit urbium
Portas vir Macedo, et subruit aemulos
Reges muneribus. Munera navium 15
Saevos illaqueant duces.
Crescentem sequitur cura pecuniam,
Majorumque fames. Jure perhorrui
Late conspicuum tollere verticem,
Maecenas, equitum decus^ 20
CARMINUM LIB. III. 65
Q,uant6 quisque sibi plura negaverit,
A dis plura feret. Nil cupientium
Nudus castra peto, et transfuga divitum
Partes linquere gestio ;
Contemptae dominus splendidior rei, 25
duam si quidquid arat impiger Appulus
Occultare meis dicerer horreis,
Magnas inter opes inops.
Purae rivus aquse, silvaque jugerum
Paucorum, et segetis certa fides meae, 30
Fulgentem imperio fertilis Africee
Fallit sorte beatior.
Quanquam nec Calabrae mella ferunt apes,
Nec Laestrygonia Bacchus in amphora.
Languescit mihi, nec pinguia Gallicis 35
Crescunt vellera pascuis ;
Importuna tamen pauperies abest ;
Nec, si plura velim, tu dare deneges.
Contracto melius parva cupidine '
Vectigalia porrigam, 40
Quam si Mygdoniis regnum Alyattei
Campis continuem. Multa petentibus
Desunt multa. Bene est cui Deus obtulit
Parca quod satis est manu.
ODE XII.
AD iELIUM LAMIAM.
^Eli, vetusto nobilis ab Lamo,
(duando et priores hinc Lamias ferunt
Denominatos, et nepotum
Per memores genus omne fastos
6*
66 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Auctore ab illo ducit originem ; 5
Qui Formiarum moenia dicitur
Princeps, et innantem Maricae
Littoribus tenuisse Lirim,
Late tyrannus) ; cras foliis nemus
Multis et alga littus inutili 10
Demissa tempestas ab Euro
Sternet, aquae nisi fallit augur
Annosa cornix. Dum potes, aridum
Compone lignum : cras Genium mero
Curabis, et porco bimestri, 15
Cum famulis operum solutis.
ODE XIII.
AD FAUNUM.
Faune, Nympharum fugientum amator,
Per meos fines et aprica rura
Lenis incedas, abeasque parvis
^Equus alumnis :
Si tener pleno cadit haedus anno, 5
Larga nec desunt Veneris sodali
Vina craterse, vetus ara multo
Fumat odore.
Ludit herboso pecus ornne campo,
Quum tibi Nonse redeunt Decembres : 10
Festus in pratis vacat otioso
Cum bove pagus :
Inter audaces lupus errat agnos :
Spargit agrestes tibi silva frondes :
Gaudet invisam pepulisse fossor 15
Ter pede terram.
CARMINUM LIB. III. G7
ODE XIV.
AD TELEPHUM.
Quantum distet ab Inacho
Codrus, pro patria. non timidus mori,
Narras, et genus ^Eaci,
Et pugnata sacro bella sub Uio :
Q,uo Chium pretio cadum 5
Mercemur, quis aquam temperet ignibus,
Quo praebente domum et quota
Pelignis caream frigoribus, taces.
Da Lunae propere novae,
Da Noctis mediae, da, puer, auguris 10
Murenae : tribus aut novem
Miscentur cyathis pocula commodis.
Qui Musas amat impares,
Ternos ter cyathos attonitus petet
Vates : tres prohibet supra 15
Rixarum metuens tangere Gratia,
Nudis juncta sororibus.
Insanire juvat. Cur Berecynthise
Cessant flamina tibiae t
Cur pendet tacita fistula cum lyra 1 20
Parcentes ego dexteras
Odi : sparge rosas ; audiat invidus
Dementem strepitum Lycus,
Et vicina seni non habilis Lyco.
68 Q- HORATII FLACCI
ODE XV.
AD AMPHORAM.
O nata mecum consule Manlio,
Seu tu querelas, sive geris jocos,
Seu rixam et insanos amores,
Seu facilem, pia testa, somnum,
Quocunque lectum nomine Massicum 5
Servas, moveri digna bono die :
Descende, Corvino jubente,
Promere languidiora vina.
Non ille, quanquam Socraticis madet
Sermonibus, te negliget horridus : 10
Narratur et prisci Catonis
Sa&pe mero caluisse virtus.
Tu lene tormentum ingenio admoves
Plerumque duro : tu sapientium
Curas et arcanum jocoso 15
Consilium retegis Lyaeo :
Tu spem reducis mentibus anxiis
Viresque ; et addis cornua pauperi,
Post te neque iratos trementi
Regum apices, neque militum arma. 20
Te Liber, et, si laeta aderit, Venus,
Segnesque nodum solvere Gratiae,
Vivaeque producent lucernae,
Dum rediens fugat astra Phoebus.
CARMINUM LIB. III. C9
ODE XVI.
AD DIANAM.
Montium custos nemorumque, virgo,
Q,usb laborantes utero puellas
Ter vocata audis, adimisque leto,
Diva triformis ;
Imminens villae tua pinus esto,
duam per exactos ego laetus annos
Verris obliquum meditantis ictum
Sanguine donem.
ODE XVII.
AD PHIDYLEN.
Cgelo supinas si tuleris manus
Nascente Luna, rustica Phidyle,
Si thure placaris et horna
Fruge Lares, avidaque porca ;
Nec pestilentem sentiet Africum 5
Fcecunda vitis, nec sterilem seges
Rubiginem, aut dulces alumni
Pomifero grave tempus anno.
Nam, quae nivali pascitur Algido
Devota quercus inter et ilices, 10
Aut crescit Albanis in herbis
Victima, pontificum secures
Cervice tinget. Te nihil attinet
Tentare multa caede bidentium
Parvos coronantem marino 15
70 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Rore deos, fragilique myrto.
Immunis aram si tetigit manus,
Non sumptuosa blandior hostia,
Mollivit aversos Penates
Farre pio et saliente mica. 20
ODE XVIII.
IN DIVITES AVAROS.
Intactis opulentior
Thesauris Arabum et divitis Indise,
Caementis licet occupes
Tyrrhenum omne tuis et mare Apulicum ;
Si figit adamantinos 5
Summis verticibus dira Necessitas
Clavos, non animum metu,
Non mortis laqueis expedies caput.
Campestres melius Scytha3,
Quorum plaustra vagas rite trahunt domos, 10
Vivunt, et rigidi Getae ;
Immetata quibus jugera liberas
Fruges et Cererem ferunt,
Nec cultura placet longior annua ;
Defunctumque laboribus 15
iEquali recreat sorte vicarius.,
Ulic matre carentibus
Privignis mulier temperat innocens ;
Nec dotata regit virum
Conjux, nec nitido fidit adultero : 20
Dos est magna parentium
Virtus, et metuens alterius viri
CARMINUM LIB. III. 71
Certo foedere castitas,
Et peccare nefas, aut pretium emori.
O quisquis volet impias 25
Caedes, et rabiem tollere civicam,
Si quaeret pater urbium
Subscribi statuis, indomitam audeat
Refraenare licentiam,
Clarus postgenitis : quatenus, heu nefas ! 30
Virtutem incolumem odimus,
Sublatam ex oculis quserimus, invidi.
Quid tristes querimoniae,
Si non supplicio culpa reciditur 1
Q,uid leges, sine moribus 35
Vanae, proficiunt 1 si neque fervidis
Pars inclusa caloribus
Mundi, nec Boreae finitimum latus,
Durataeque solo nives,
Mercatorem abigunt ? horrida callidi 40
Vincunt aequora navitae ?
Magnum pauperies opprobrium jubet
Quidvis et facere et pati,
Virtutisque viam deserere arduae 1
Vel nos in Capitolium, 45
Q,uo clamor vocat et turba faventium,
Vel nos in mare proximum
Gemmas, et lapides, aurum et inutile,
Summi materiam mali,
Mittamus, scelerum si bene poenitet. 50
Eradenda cupidinis
Pravi sunt elementa ; et tenerse nimis
Mentes asperioribus
Formandse studiis. Nescit equo rudis
Hserere ingenuus puer, 55
Venarique timet ; ludere doctior,
72 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Seu Graeco jubeas trocho,
Seu malis vetita legibus alea :
Q,uum perjura patris fides
Gonsortem socium fallat et hospitem, 60
Indignoque pecuniam
Hseredi properet. Scilicet improbge
Crescunt divitiae : tamen
Curtae nescio quid semper abest rei.
ODE XIX.
AD BACCHUM.
Q,uo me, Bacche, rapis tui
Plenum ? Quae nemora, quos agor in specus,
Velox mente nova ? Quibus
Antris egregii Caesaris audiar
JEternum meditans decus 5
Stellis inserere et consilio Jovis ?
Dicam insigne, recens, adhuc
Indictum ore alio. Non secus in jugis
Exsomnis stupet Evias,
Hebrum prospiciens, et nive candidam 10
Thracen, ac pede barbaro
Lustratam Rhodopen. Ut mihi devio
Ripas et vacuum nemus
Mirari libet ! O Naiadum potens,
Baccharumque valentium 15
Proceras manibus vertere fraxinos !
Nil parvum, aut humili modo,
Nil mortale loquar. Dulce periculum,
O Lenaee, sequi deum
Cingentem viridi tempora pampino ! 20
CARMINUM LIB. III. 73
ODE XX.
AD VENEREM.
Vixi choreis nuper idoneus,
Et militavi non sine gloria :
Nunc arma defunctumque bello
Barbiton hic paries habebit,
Lsevum marinse qui Veneris latus 5
Custodit. Hic, hic ponite lucida
Funalia et vectes et arcus
Oppositis foribus minaces. t
O quae beatam, diva, tenes Cyprum, et
Memphin carentem Sithonia nive, 10
Regina, sublimi flagello
Tange Chloen semel arrogantem.
ODE XXI.
AD GALATEAM.
Impios parrae recinentis omen
Ducat, et praegnans canis, aut ab agro
Rava decurrens lupa Lanuvino,
Fcetaque vulpes :
Rumpat et serpens iter institutum, 5
Si per obliquum similis sagittae
Terruit mannos. Ego cui timebo,
Providus auspex,
Antequam stantes repetat paludes
Imbrium divina avis imminentum, 10
Oscinem corvum prece suscitabo
Solis ab ortu.
7
74 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Sis licet felix ubicunque mavis,
Et memor nc-stri, Galatea, vivas :
Teque nec lsevus vetet ire picus, 15
Nec vaga cornix.
Sed vides quanto trepidet tumultu
Pronus Orion. Ego quid sit ater
Hadrise novi sinus et quid albus
Peccet Iapyx. 20
Hostium uxores puerique csecos
Sentiant motus orientis Austri, et
iEquoris nigri fremitum, et trementes
Verbere ripas !
Sic et Europe niveum doloso 25
Credidit tauro latus, et scatentem
Belluis pontum mediasque fraudes
Palluit audax.
Nuper in pratis studiosa florum, et
Debitae Nymphis opifex coronae, 30
Nocte sublustri nihil astra praeter
Vidit et undas.
Quae simul centum tetigit potentem
Oppidis Creten, " Pater, o relictum
Filise nomen, pietasque," dixit, 35
" Victa furore !
Unde ? quo veni ? Levis una mors est
Virginum culpae. Vigilansne ploro
Turpe commissum 1 an vitiis carentem
Ludit imago 40
Vana, quae porta fugiens eburna
Somnium ducit ? Meliusne fluctus
Ire per longos fuit, an recentes
Carpere flores 1
Si quis infamem mihi nunc juvencum 45
Dedat iratae ! lacerare ferro, et
CARMINUM LIB. III. 75
Frangere enitar modd multum amati
Cornua monstri.
Impudens liqui patrios Penates :
Impudens Orcum moror ! O deorum 50
Si quis haec audis, utinam inter errem
Nuda leones !
Antequam turpis macies decentes
Occupet malas, teneraeque succus
Defluat praedae, speciosa quaero 55
Pascere tigres.
1 Vilis Europe,' pater urget absens,
1 Quid mori cessas ? Potes hac ab orno
Pendulum zona bene te sequuta
Laedere collum. 60
Sive te rupes et acuta leto
Saxa delectant, age, te procellae
Crede veloci : nisi herile mavis
Carpere pensum,
Regius sanguis, dominasque tradi 65
Barbarae pellex.' " Aderat querenti
Perfidum ridens Venus, et remisso
Filius arcu.
Mox, ubi lusit satis, " Abstineto,"
Dixit, " irarum calidaeque rixae, 70
duum tibi invisus laceranda reddet
Cornua taurus.
Uxor invicti Jovis esse nescis :
Mitte singultus : bene ferre magnam
Disce fortunam : tua sectus orbis 75
Nomina ducet."
76 Q- HORATII FLACCI
ODE XXII.
AD LYDEN.
Festo quid potius die
Neptuni faciam 1 Prome reconditum,
Lyde, strenua Caecubum j
Munitaeque adhibe vim sapientiae.
Inclinare meridiem 5
Sentis ; ac, veluti stet volucris dies,
Parcis deripere horreo
Cessantem Bibuli consulis amphoram.
Nos cantabimus invicem
Neptunum, et virides Nereidum comas : 10
Tu curva recines lyra
Latonam, et celeris spicula Cynthiae :
Summo carmine, quae Cnidon
Fulgentesque tenet Cycladas, et Paphon
Junctis visit oloribus : 15
Dicetur merita Nox quoque naenia.
ODE XXIII.
AD MyECENATEM.
Tyrrhena regum progenies, tibi
Non ante verso lene merum cado
Cum flore, Maecenas, rosarum, et
Pressa tuis balanus capillis
Jamdudum apud me est. Eripe te morae :
Ne semper udum Tibur et ^Esulae
Declive contempleris arvum, et
Telegoni juga parricidae.
CARMINUM LIB. III. 77
Fastidiosam desere copiam, et
Molem propinquam nubibus arduis : 10
Omitte mirari beatae
Fumum et opes strepitumque Romae.
Plerumque gratae divitibus vices ;
Mundaeque parvo sub lare pauperum
Ccenae, sine aulaeis et ostro, 15
Sollicitam explicuere frontem.
Jam clarus occultum Andromedes pater
Ostendit ignem : jam Procyon furit,
Et stella vesani Leonis,
Sole dies referente siccos. 20
Jam pastor umbras cum grege languido
Rivumque fessus quaerit, et horridi
Dumeta Siivani ; caretque
Ripa vagis taciturna ventis.
Tu civitatem quis deceat status 25
Curas, et Urbi sollicitus times
Quid Seres et regnata Cyro
Bactra parent, Tanaisque discors.
Prudens futuri temporis exitum
Caliginosa nocte premit Deus ; 30
Ridetque, si mortalis ultra
Fas trepidat. Q,uod adest, memento
Componere aequus : caetera fluminis
Ritu feruntur, nunc medio alveo
Cum pace delabentis Etruscum 35
In mare, nunc lapides adesos
Stirpesque raptas et pecus et domos
Volventis una, non sine montium
Clamore vicinaeque silvae,
Quum fera diluvies quietos 40
Irritat amnes. Ille potens sui
Laetusque deget, cui licet in diem
7*
78 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Dixisse, " Vixi " : cras vel atra
Nube polum Pater occupato,
Vel sole puro : non tamen irritum 45
Quodcunque retro est efficiet ; neque
Diffinget infectumque reddet
Quod fugiens semel hora vexit.
Fortuna, ssevo laeta negotio, et
Ludum insolentem ludere pertinax, 50
Transmutat incertos honores,
Nunc mihi, nunc alii benigna»
Laudo manentem : si celeres quatit
Pennas, resigno quae dedit, et mea
Virtute me involvo, probamque 55
Pauperiem sine dote quaero.
Non est meum, si mugiat Africis
Malus j>rocellis, ad miseras preces
Decurrere, et votis pacisci
Ne Cypriae Tyriaeque merces 60
Addant avaro divitias mari.
Tum me, biremis praesidio scaphae,
Tutum per ^Egaeos tumultus
Aura feret geminusque Pollux.
ODE XXIV.
Es!egi monumentum aere perennius,
Regalique situ pyramidum altius ;
duod non imber edax, non Aquilo impotens
Possit diruere, aut innumerabilis
Annorum series, et fuga temporum.
Non omnis moriar : multaque pars mei
CARMINUM LIB. III. 79
Vitabit Libitinam. Usque ego postera
Crescam laude recens, dum Capitolium
Scandet cum tacita virgine pontifex.
Dicar, qua violens obstrepit Aufidus, 10
Et qua pauper aquae Daunus agrestium
Regnavit populorum, ex humili potens
Princeps ^Eolium carmen ad Italos
Deduxisse modos. Sume superbiam
Quaesitam meritis, et mihi Delphica 15
Lauro cinge volens, Melpomene, comam.
Q. HORATII FLACCI
CARMINUM
LIBER QUARTUS.
ODE I.
i
AD JULUM ANTONIUM.
Pindarum quisquis studet semulari,
Jule, ceratis ope Daedalea
Nititur pennis, vitreo daturus
Nomina ponto.
Monte decurrens velut amnis, imbres 5
Q,uem super notas aluere ripas,
Fervet immensusque ruit profundo
Pindarus ore ;
Laurea donandus Apollinari,
Seu per audaces nova dithyrambos 10
Verba devolvit, numerisque fertur
Lege solutis;
Seu deos, regesve canit, deorum
Sanguinem, per quos cecidere justa
Morte Centauri, cecidit tremendae 15
Flamma Chimcerse ;
Sive, quos Elea domum reducit
Palma ccelestes, pugilemve equumve
Dicit, et centum potiore signis
Munere donat ; 20
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 81
Flebili sponsae juvenemve raptum
Plorat, et vires animumque moresque
Aureos educit in astra, nigroque
Invidet Orco.
Multa Dircaeum levat aura cycnum, 25
Tendit, Antoni, quoties in altos
Nubium tractus : ego, apis Matinae
More modoque,
Grata carpentis thyma per laborem
Plurimum, circa nemus uvidique 30
Tiburis ripas operosa parvus
Carmina fingo.
Concines majore poeta plectro
Caesarem, quandoque trahet feroces
Per sacrum clivum, merita decorus 35
Fronde, Sicambros;
Q,uo nihil majus meliusve terris
Fata donavere, bonique divi,
Nec dabunt, quamvis redeant in aurum
Tempora priscum. 40
Concines laetosque dies et Urbis
Publicum ludum, super impetrato
Fortis Augusti reditu, forumque
Litibus orbum.
Tum meae (si quid loquar audiendum) 45
Vocis accedet bona pars ; et, o Sol
Pulcher ! o laudande ! canam, recepto
Caesare felix.
Tuque dum procedis, " Io triumphe ! "
Non semel dicemus, " Io triumphe ! " 50
Civitas omnis, dabimusque divis
Thura benignis.
Te decem tauri totidemque vaccae,
Me tener solvet vitulus, relicta
82 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Matre, qui largis juvenescit herbis 55
In mea vota,
Fronte curvatos imitatus igne3
Tertium Lunse referentis ortum,
Qua notam duxit niveus videri,
Csetera fulvus. 60
ODE II.
AD MELPOMENEN.
^K
CIuem tu, Melpomene, semel
Nascentem placido Iumine videris,
Illum non labor Isthmius
Clarabit pugilem, non equus impiger
Curru ducet Achaico 5
Victorem ; neque res bellica Deliis
Ornatum foliis ducem,
duod regum tumidas contuderit minas,
Ostendet Capitolio :
Sed quse Tibur aquae fertile praefluunt, 10
Et spissae nemorum comae,
Fingent ^Eolio carmine nobilem.
Romae principis urbium
Dignatur soboles inter amabiles
Vatum ponere me choros ; 15
Et jam dente minus mordeor invido.
O, testudinis aurese
Dulcem quae strepitum, Pieri, temperas ;
O mutis quoque piscibus
Donatura cycni, si libeat, sonum ! 20
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 83
Totum muneris hoc tui est,
Quod monstror digito praetereuntium
Romanae fidicen lyrae :
Quod spiro et placeo (si placeo), tuum est.
ODE III.
DRUSI LAUDES.
Q,ualem ministrum fulminis alitem
(Cui rex deorum regnum in aves vagas
Permisit, expertus fidelem
Jupiter in Ganymede flavo)
Olim juventas, et patrius vigor, 5
Nido laborum propulit inscium ;
Vernique, jam nimbis remotis,
Insolitos docuere nisus
Venti paventem ; mox in ovilia
Demisit hostem vividus impetus ; 10
Nunc in reluctantes dracones
Egit amor dapis atque pugnae :
Qualemve laetis caprea pascuis
Intenta fulvae matris ab ubere
Jam lacte depulsum leonem, 15
Dente novo peritura, vidit :
Videre Rhaetis bella sub Alpibus
Drusum gerentem Vindelici ; quibus
Mos unde deductus per omne
Tempus Amazonia securi 20
Dextras obarmet, quaerere distuli
(Nec scire fas est omnia) : sed diu
Lateque victrices catervae,
Consiliis juvenis revictae,
84 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Sensere quid mens rite, quid indoles, 25
Nutrita faustis sub penetralibus,
Posset, quid Augusti paternus
In pueros animus Nerones.
Fortes creantur fortibus ; et bonis
Est in juvencis, est in equis, patrum 30
Virtus : nec imbellem feroces
Progenerant aquilse columbam.
Doctrina sed vim promovet insitam,
Rectique cultus pectora roborant :
Utcunque defecere mores, 35
Indecorant bene nata culpae.
duid debeas, o Roma, Neronibus,
Testis Metaurum flumen, et Hasdrubal
Devictus, et pulcher fugatis
Jile dies Latio tenebris, 40
Q,ui primus alma risit adorea,
Dirus per urbes Afer ut Italas,
Ceu flamma per tasdas, vel Eurus
Per Siculas equitavit undas.
Post hoc secundis usque laboribus 45
Romana pubes crevit, et impio
Vastata Pcenorum tumultu
Fana deos habuere rectos.
Dixitque tandem perfidus Ilannibal :
" Cervi, luporum praeda rapacium, 50
Sectamur ultro quos opimus
Fallere et effugere est triumphus.
Gens, quae cremato fortis ab Uio
Jactata Tuscis oequoribus sacra,
Natosque, maturosque patres, 55
Pertulit Ausonias ad urbes,
Duris ut ilex tonsa bipennibus
Nigrae feraci fiondis in Algido,
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 85
Per damna, per caedes, ab ipso
Ducit opes animumque ferro. 60
Non Hydra secto corpore firmior
Vinci dolentem crevit in Herculem ;
Monstrumve submisere Colchi
Majus, Echioniaeve Thebae.
Merses profundo, pulchrior evenit : 65
Luctere, multa proruet integrum
Cum laude victorem, geretque
Proelia conjugibus loquenda.
Carthagini jam non ego nuntios
Mittam superbos : occidit, occidit 70
Spes omnis et fortuna nostri
Nominis, Hasdrubale interempto.
Nil Claudiae non perficient manus,
Quas et benigno numine Jupiter
Defendit, et curse sagaces 75
Expediunt per acuta belli."
ODE IV.
AD AUGUSTUM.
Divis orte bonis, optime Romulae
Custos gentis, abes jam nimium diu :
Maturum reditum pollicitus Patrum
Sancto concilio, redi.
Lucem redde tuae, dux bone, patrise :
Instar veris enim vultus ubi tuus
Affulsit, populo gratior it dies,
Et soles melius nitent.
8
86 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Ut mater juvenem, quem Notus invido
Flatu Carpathii trans maris aequora 10
Cunctantem spatio longius annuo
Dulci distinet a domo,
Votis ominibusque et precibus vocat,
Curvo nec faciem littore dimovet :
Sic desideriis icta fidelibus 15
Quaerit patria Caesarem.
Tutus bos etenim rura perambulat :
Nutrit rura Ceres, almaque Faustitas:
Pacatum volitant per mare navitae :
Culpari metuit Fides : 20
Nullis polluitur casta domus stupris :
Mos et lex maculosum edomuit nefas :
Laudantur simili prole puerperae :
_ Culpam Poena premit comes.
Quis Parthum paveat ? quis gelidum Scythen 1 25
Quis, Germania quos horrida parturit
Fcetus, incolumi Caesare 1 quis ferae
Bellum curet Iberiae 1
Condit quisque diem collibus in suis,
Et vitem viduas ducit ad arbores : 30
Hinc ad vina redit laetus, et alteris
Te mensis adhibet deum :
Te multa prece, te prosequitur mero
Defuso pateris ; et Laribus tuum
Miscet numen, uti Graecia Castoris 35
Et magni memor Herculis.
11 Longas o utinam, dux bone, ferias
Praestes Hesperiae ! " dicimus integro
Sicci mane die, dicimus uvidi,
duum sol Oceano subest. 40
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 87
ODE V.
AD APOLLINEM.
Dive, quem proles Niobea magnae
Vindicem linguae, Tityosque raptor,
Sensit, et Troja3 prope victor altae
Phthius Achilles,
Caeteris major, tibi niiles impar ; 5
Filius quanquam Thetidos marinae
Dardanas turres quateret tremenda
Cuspide pugnax :
Ille, mordaci velut icta ferro
Pinus, aut impulsa cupressus Euro, 10
Procidit late, posuitque collum in
Pulvere Teucro.
Illejion, inclusus equo Minervee
Sacra mentito, male feriatos
Troas et laetam Priami choreis 15
Falleret aulam :
Sed palam captis gravis, heu nefas ! heu !
Nescios fari pueros Achivis
Ureret flammis, etiam latentem
Matris in alvo ; 20
Ni, tuis victus Venerisque gratae
Vocibus, divum Pater adnuisset
Rebus iEneae potiore ductos
Alite muros.
Doctor Argivae fidicen Thaliae, 25
Phoebe, qui Xantho lavis amne crines,
Dauniae defende decus Camcenae,
Levis Agyieu !
Spiritum Phcebus mihi, Phcebus artem
Carminis nomenque dedit poetae. 30
88 Q« HORATII FLACCI
Virginum primae, puerique claris
Patribus orti,
Deliae tutela deae, fugaces
Lyncas et cervos cohibentis arcu,
Lesbium servate pedem, meique 35
Pollicis ictum :
Rite Latonae puerum canentes,
Rite crescentem face Noctilucam,
Prosperam frugum, celeremque pronos
Volvere menses. 40
Nupta jam dices : " Ego dis amicum,
Saeculo festas referente luces,
Reddidi carmen, docilis modorum
Vatis Horati."
ODE VI.
AD TORQUATUM.
Diffugere nives : redeunt jam gramina campis,
Arboribusque comae :
Mutat terra viees, et decrescentia ripas
Flumina praetereunt.
Gratia cum Nymphis geminisque sororibus audet 5
Ducere nuda choros.
Immortalia ne speres monet Annus, et almum
Quae rapit Hora diem.
Frigora mitescunt Zephyris : Ver proterit /Estas,
Interitura, simul 10
Pomifer Autumnus fruges effuderit : et mox
Bruma recurrit iners.
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 89
Damna tamen celeres reparant coelestia lunae :
Nos, ubi decidimus
Q,uo pius iEneas, quo dives Tullus, et Ancus, 15
Pulvis et umbra sumus.
duis scit an adjiciant hodiernse crastina summae
Tempora di superi ?
Cuncta manus avidas fugient hseredis, amico
Quae dederis animo. 20
Q,uum semel occideris, et de te splendida Minos
Fecerit arbitria,
Non, Torquate, genus, non te facundia, non te
Restituet pietas.
Infernis neque enim tenebris Diana pudicum 25
Liberat Hippolytum :
Nec Lethaea valet Theseus abrumpere caro
Vincula Pirithoo.
ODE VII.
AD CENSORINUM.
Donarem pateras grataque commodus,
Censorine, meis aera sodalibus,
Donarem tripodas, praemia fortium
Graiorum ; neque tu pessima munerum
Ferres, divite me scilicet artium 5
Q,uas aut Parrhasius protulit, aut Scopas ;
Hic saxo, liquidis ille coloribus
Solers nunc hominem ponere, nunc deum :
Sed non hsec mihi vis, nec tibi talium
Res est aut animus deliciarum egens. 10
Gaudes carminibus : carmina possumus
8*
90 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Donare, et pretium dicere muneri.
Non incisa notis marmora publicis,
Per quae spiritus et vita redit bonis
Post mortem ducibus ; non celeres fugae, 15
Rejectaeque retrorsum Hannibalis minse ;
Non incendia Carthaginis impiae,
Ejus qui domita nomen ab Africa
Lucratus rediit, clarius indicant
Laudes, quam Calabrae Pierides : neque, 20
Si chartae sileant quod bene feceris,
Mercedem tuleris. Quid foret Uiae
Mavortisque puer, si taciturnitas
Obstaret meritis invida Romuli 1
Ereptum Stygiis fluctibus JEacum 25
Virtus et favor et lingua potentium
Vatum divitibus consecrat insulis.
Dignum laude virum Musa vetat mori :
Ccelo Musa beat. Sic Jovis interest
Optatis epulis impiger Hercules : 30
Clarum Tyndaridce sidus ab infimis
duassas eripiunt aequoribus rates :
Ornatus viridi tempora pampino
Liber vota bonos ducit ad exitus.
ODE VIII.
AD LOLLIUM.
Ne forte credas interitura quae,
Longe sonantem natus ad Aufidum,
Non ante vulgatas per artes
Verba loquor socianda chordis.
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 91
Non, si priores Maeonius tenet 5
Sedes Homerus, Pindaricae latent,
Ceaeque, et Alcaei minaces,
Stesichorique graves Camoenae :
Nec, si quid olim lusit Anacreon,
Delevit aetas : spirat adhuc amor, 10
Vivuntque commissi calores
^Eoliae fidibus puellae.
Non sola comptos arsit adulteri
Crines, et aurum vestibus illitum
Mirata, regalesque cultus, 15
Et comites, Helene Lac3ena :
Primusve Teucer tela Cydonio
Direxit arcu : non semel Ilios
Vexata : non pugnavit ingens
Idomeneus Sthenelusve solus 20
Dicenda Musis proelia : non ferox
Hector, vel acer Deiphobus graves
Excepit ictus pro pudicis
Conjugibus puerisque primus.
Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona 25
Multi : sed omnes illacrymabiles
Urgentur, ignotique, longa
Nocte, carent quia vate sacro.
Pauliim sepultae distat inertiae
Celata virtus. Non ego te meis 30
Chartis inornatum silebo,
Totve tuos patiar labores
Impune, Lolli, carpere lividas
Obliviones. Est animus tibi
Rerumque prudens, et secundis 35
Temporibus dubiisque rectus ;
Vindex avarae fraudis, et abstinens
Ducentis ad se cuncta pecuniae ;
92 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Consulque non unius anni,
Sed quoties bonus atque fidus 40
Judex honestum praetulit utili, et
Rejecit alto dona nocentium
Vultu, et per obstantes catervas
Explicuit sua victor arma.
Non possidentem multa vocaveris 45
Recte beatum : rectius occupat
Nomen beati, qui deorum
Muneribus sapienter uti,
Duramque callet pauperiem pati,
Pejusque leto flagitium timet ; 50
Non ille pro caris amicis
Aut patria timidus perire.
ODE IX.
AD LIGURINUM.
O crudelis adhuc, et Veneris muneribus potens,
Insperata tuae quum veniet pluma superbiae,
Et, quse nunc humeris involitant, deciderint comae,
Nunc et qui color est puniceae flore prior rosae
Mutatus Ligurinum in faciem verterit hispidam ;
Dices, " Heu ! " (quoties te in speculo videris alterum)
11 Quae rnens est hodie, cur eadem non puero fuit ?
Vel cur his animis incolumes non redeunt genae 1 "
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 93
ODE X.
AD PHYLLIDEM.
Est mihi nonum superantis annum
Plenus Albani cadus : est in horto,
Phylli, nectendis apium coronis :
Est hederae vis
Multa, qua crines religata fulges. 5
Ridet argento domus : ara, castis
Vincta verbenis, avet immolato
Spargier agno.
Cuncta festinat manus, huc et illuc
Cursitant mixtae pueris puellae : 10
Sordidum flammae trepidant rotantes
Vertice fumum.
Ut tamen noris quibus advoceris
Gaudiis ; Idus tibi sunt agendae,
Giui dies mensem Veneris marinae 15
Findit Aprilem :
Jure solemnis mihi, sanctiorque
Pene natali proprio, quod ex hac
Luce Maecenas meus afnuentes
Ordinat annos. 20
ODE XI.
AD VIRGILIUM.
Jam veris comites, quae mare temperant,
Impellunt animae lintea Thraciae :
Jam nec prata rigent, nec fluvii strepunt
Hiberna nive turgidi.
94 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Nidum ponit, Ityn flebiliter gemens, 5
Infelix avis, et Cecropiae domus
iEternum opprobrium, qu6d male barbaras
Regum est ulta libidines.
Dicunt in tenero gramine pinguium
Custodes ovium carmina fistula, 10
Delectantque deum cui pecus et nigri
Colles Arcadiae placent.
Adduxere sitim tempora, Virgili :
Sed pressum Calibus ducere Liberum
Si gestis, juvenum nobilium cliens, 15
Nardo vina merebere.
Nardi parvus onyx eliciet cadum
Qui nunc Sulpitiis accubat horreis,
Spes donare novas largus, amaraque
Curarum eluere efficax. 20
Ad quae si properas gaudia, cum tua.
Velox merce veni : non ego te meis
Immunem meditor tingere poculis,
Plena dives ut in domo.
Verum pone moras, et studium lucri ; 25
Nigrorumque memor, durn licet, ignium,
Misce stultitiam consiliis brevem :
Dulce est desipere in loco.
ODE XII.
AD LYCEN.
Audivere, Lyce, di mea vota, di
Audivere, Lyce : fis anus, et tamen
Vis formosa videri ;
Ludisque et bibis impudens.
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 95
Importunus Amor transvolat aridas 5
Quercus, et refugit te, quia luridi
Dentes te, quia rugae
Turpant, et capitis nives.
Nec Cose referunt jam tibi purpurae,
Nec clari lapides, ternpora quae semel 10
Notis condita fastis
Inclusit volucris dies.
Q,u6 fugit Venus ? heu ! quove color decens ?
Q,u6 motus ? quid habes illius, illius,
Quse spirabat amores, 15
Quae me surpuerat mihi,
Felix post Cynaram, notaque et artium
Gratarum facies ? Sed Cynarae breves
Annos fata dederunt,
Servatura diu parem 20
Cornicis vetulae temporibus Lycen ;
Possent ut juvenes visere fervidi,
Multo non sine risu,
Dilapsam in cineres facem.
ODE XIII.
AD AUGUSTUM.
Qu.e cura Patrum, quaeve Quiritium,
Plenis honorum muneribus tuas,
Auguste, virtutes in aevum
Per titulos memoresque fastos
iEternet ? o, qua sol habitabiles
Ulustrat oras, maxime principum,
Quem legis expertes Latinse
Vindelici didicere nuper
96 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Q,uid Marte posses 1 Milite nam tuo
Drusus Genaunos, implacidum genus, 10
Brennosque veloces, et arces
Alpibus impositas tremendis,
Dejecit acer plus vice simplici.
Major Neronum mox grave prcelium
Commisit, immanesque Rhaetos 15
Auspiciis pepulit secundis :
Spectandus, in certamine Martio,
Devota morti pectora liberae
duantis fatigaret ruinis,
Indomitas prope qualis undas 20
Exercet Auster, Pleiadum choro
Scindente nubes, impiger hostium
Vexare turmas, et frementem
Mittere equum medios per ignes.
Sic tauriformis volvitur Aufidus, 25
Qui regna Dauni praefluit Appuli,
Q,uum ssevit, horrendamque cultis
Diluviem meditatur agris ;
Ut barbarorum Claudius agmina
Ferrata vasto diruit impetu, 30
Primosque et extremos metendo,
Stravit humum, sine clade victor,
Te copias, te consilium, et tuos
Praebente divos : nam, tibi quo die
Portus Alexandrea supplex 35
Et vacuam patefecit aulam,
Fortuna lustro prospera tertio
Belli secundos reddidit exitus,
Laudemque et optatum peractis
Imperiis decus arrogavit. 40
Te Cantaber non ante domabilis,
Medusque, et Indus, te profugus Scythes
CARMINUM LIB. IV. 97
Miratur, o tutela praesens
Italiae dominaeque Romae :
Te, fontium qui celat origines, 45
Nilusque, et Ister, te rapidus Tigris,
Te belluosus qui remotis
Obstrepit Oceanus Britannis,
Te non paventis funera Galliae
Duraeque tellus audit Iberiae : 50
Te caede gaudentes Sicambri
Compositis venerantur armi3.
ODE XIV.
AUGUSTI LAUDES.
Phcebus volentem prcelia me loqui
Victas et urbes increpuit lyra,
Ne parva Tyrrhenum per aequor
Vela darem. Tua, Caesar, aetas
Fruges et agris rettulit uberes, 5
Et signa nostro restituit Jovi
Direpta Parthorum superbis
Postibus, et vacuum duellis
Janum Q-uirini clausit, et ordinem
Rectum et vaganti fraena licentiae 10
Injecif; amovitque culpas,
Et veteres revocavit artes,
Per quas Latinum nomen et Italae
Crevere vires, famaque et imperi
Porrecta majestas ad ortum 15
Solis ab Hesperio cubili.
9
98 CARMINUM LIB. IV.
Custode rerum Caesare, non furor
Civilis, aut vis eximet otium ;
Non ira, quae procudit enses,
Et miseras inimicat urbes. 20
Non qui profundum Danubium bibunt
Edicta rumpent Julia, non Getae,
Non Seres, infidive Persse,
Non Tanaim prope flumen orti.
Nosque et profestis lucibus et sacris, 25
Inter jocosi munera Liberi,
Cum prole matronisque nostris,
Rite deos prius apprecati,
Virtute functos, more patrum, duces,
Lydis remixto carmine tibiis, 30
Trojamque et Anchisen, et almae
Progeniem Veneris canemus.
Q. HORATII FLACCI
EPODON
LIBER.
ODE I.
AD M^CENATEM.
\
Ibis Liburnis inter alta navium,
Amice, propugnacula,
Paratus omne Caesaris periculum
Subire, Maecenas, tuo.
Quid nos, quibus te vita si superstite 5
Jucunda ; si contra, gravis ?
Utrumne jussi persequemur otium,
Non dulce, ni tecum simul 1
An hunc laborem mente laturi, decet
Clua ferre non molles viros ?• 10
Feremus ; et te vel per Alpium juga,
Inhospitalem et Caucasum,
Vel occidentis usque ad ultimum sinum,
Forti sequemur pectore.
Roges tuum labore quid juvem meo 15
Imbellis, ac firmus parum ?
Comes minore sum futurus in metu,
Q,ui major absentes habet :
Ut assidens implumibus pullis avis
Serpentium allapsus timet '20
100 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Magis relictis ; non, ut adsit, auxili
Latura plus praesentibus.
Libenter hoc et omne militabitur
Bellum in tuae spem gratiae :
Non ut juvencis illigata pluribus 25
Aratra nitantur meis ;
Pecusve Calabris ante sidus fervidum
Lucana mutet pascua ;
Nec ut superni villa candens Tusculi
Circsea tangat moenia. 30
Satis superque me benignitas tua
Ditavit : haud paravero
Quod aut, avarus ut Chremes, terra premam,
Discinctus aut perdam ut nepos.
ODE II.
■<
" Beatus ille qui procul hegotiis,
Ut prisca gens mortalium,
Paterna rura bobus exercet suis,
Solutus omni fcenore.
Neque excitatur classico miles truci, 5
Neque horret iratum mare ;
Forumque vitat, et superba civium
Potentiorum limina.
Ergo aut adulta vitium propagine
Altas maritat populos ; 10
Inutilesque falce ramos amputans,
Feliciores inserit ;
Aut in reducta valle mugientium
Prospectat errantes greges ;
EPODON LIBER. ]()]
Aut pressa puris mella condit amphoris ; 15
Aut tondet infirmas oves ;
Vel, quum decorum mitibus pomis caput
Autumnus arvis extulit,
Ut gaudet insitiva decerpens pyra,
Certaniem et uvam purpurae, 20
Qua muneretur te, Priape, et te, pater
Silvane, tutor finium !
Libet jacere modo sub antiqua ilice,
Modo in tenaci gramine.
Labuntur altis interim ripis aquse ; 25
Queruntur in silvis aves ;
Fontesque lymphis obstrepunt manantibus,
Somnos quod invitet leves.
At, quum tonantis annus hibernus Jovis
Imbres nivesque comparat, 30
Aut trudit acres hinc et hinc multa cane
Apros in obstantes plagas,
Aut amite levi rara tendit retia,
Turdis edacibus dolos ;
Pavidumque leporem, et advenam laqueo gruem, 35
Jucunda captat praemia.
Quis non malarum, quas amor curas habet,
Haec inter obliviscitur ?
Q,u6d si pudica mulier in partem juvans
Domum atque dulces liberos, 40
Sabina qualis, aut perusta solibus
Pernicis uxor Appuli,
Sacrum vetustis exstruat lignis focum
Lassi sub adventum viri,
Claudensque textis cratibus laetum pecus 45
Distenta siccet ubera,
Et horna dulci vina promens dolio
Dapes inemptas apparet :
9*
102 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Non me Lucrina juverint conchylia,
Magisve rhombus, aut scari, 50
Si quos Eois intonata fluctibus
Hiems ad hoc vertat mare ;
Non Afra avis descendat in ventrem meum,
Non attagen Ionicus
Jucundior, quam lecta de pinguissimis 55
Oliva ramis arborum,
Aut herba lapathi prata amantis, et gravi
Malvse salubres corpori,
Vel agna festis caesa Terminalibus,
Vel hcedus ereptus lupo. 60
Has inter epulas, ut juvat pastas oves
Videre properantes domum ;
Videre fessos vomerem inversum boves
Collo trahentes languido ;
(Positosque vernas, ditis examen domus, . 65
Circum renidentes Lares ! "
Haec ubi locutus foenerator Alfius,
Jam jam futurus rusticus,
Omnem redegit Idibus pecuniam ;
Quserit Kalendis ponere. 70
ODE III.
AD MjECENATEM.
Parentis olim si quis impia. manu
Senile guttur fregerit,
Edat cicutis allium nocentius.
O dura messorum ilia !
Quid hoc veneni saevit in praecordiis ?
Num viperinus his cruor
EPODON LIBER. 103
Incoctus herbis me fefellit ? an malas
Canidia tractavit dapes 1
Ut Argonautas prseter omnes candidum
Medea mirata est ducem, 10
Ignota tauris illigaturum juga,
Perunxit hoc Jasonem :
Hoc delibutis ulta donis pellicem,
Serpente fugit alite.
Nec tantus unquam siderum insedit vapor 15
Siticulosae Apuliae ;
Nec munus humeris efficacis Herculis
Inarsit aestuosius.
ODE IV.
IN MENAM.
Lupis et agnis quanta sortito obtigit,
Tecum mihi discordia est,
Ibericis peruste funibus latus,
Et crura dura compede.
Licet superbus ambules pecunia, 5
Fortuna non mutat genus.
Videsne, sacram metiente te viam
Cum bis ter ulnarum toga,
Ut ora vertat huc et huc euntiurr
Liberrima indignatio 1 10
Sectus flagellis hic Triumviralibus,
Praeconis ad fastidium,,
Arat Falerni mille fundi jugera,
Et Appiam mannis terit :
Sedilibusque magnus in primis eques, 15
Othone contempto, sedet.
•
104 Q- HORATII FLACCI
duid attinet tot ora navium gravi
Rostrata duci pondere
Contra latrones atque servilem manum,
Hoc, hoc tribuno militum ? 20
ODE V.
IN CANIDIAM VENEFICAM.
11 At, o deorum quidquid in coelo regit
Terras et humanum genus !
Quid iste fert tumultus ? et quid omnium
Vultus in unum me truces ?
Per liberos te, si vocata partubus 5
Lucina veris adfuit,
Per hoc inane purpurse decus, precor,
Per improbaturum haec Jovem,
Quid ut noverca me intueris, aut uti
Petita ferro bellua 1 " 10
Ut hsec trementi questus ore, constitit
Insignibus raptis puer,
Impube corpus, quale posset impia
Mollire Thracum pectora ;
Canidia, brevibus implicata viperis 15
Crines et incomptum caput,
Jubet t ^pulcris caprificos erutas,
Jubet cupressos funebres,
Et uncta turpis ova ranae sanguine,
Plumamque nocturnse strigis, 20
Herbasque quas Iolcos atque Iberia
Mittit venenorum ferax,
Et ossa ab ore rapta jejunae canis,
FJammis aduri Colchicis.
EPODON LiUER. ly5
At expedita Sagana, per totam domum 25
Spargens Avernales aquas,
Horret capillis ut marinus asperis
Echinus, aut currens aper.
Abacta nulla Veia conscientia
Ligonibus duris humum 30
Exhauriebat, ingemens laboribus ;
Quo posset infossus puer
Longo die bis terque mutatse dapis
Inemori spectaculo ;
Q,uum promineret ore, quantum exstant aqua 35
Suspensa mento corpora :
Exusta uti medulla et aridum jecur
Amoris esset poculum,
Interminato quum semel fixse cibo
Intabuissent pupulae. 40
Non defuisse masculae libidinis
Ariminensem Foliam,
Et otiosa credidit Neapolis,
Et omne vicinum oppidum,
Q,uae sidera, excantata voce Thessala, 45
Lunamque ccelo deripit.
Hic irresectum saeva dente livido
Canidia rodens pollicem,
Quid dixit ? aut quid tacuit ? "O rebus meis
Non infideles arbitrse, 50
Nox et Diana quae silentium regis,
Arcana quum fiunt sacra ;
Nunc, nunc adeste ; nunc in hostiles domos
Iram atque numen vertite.
Formidolosae dum latent silvis ferae, 55
Dulci sopore languidae,
Senem, quod omnes rideant, adulterum
Latrent Suburanae canes,
106 Q- HORATII FLACCl
Nardo perunctum, quale non perfectius
Meae laborarint manus. 60
Q,uid accidit 1 cur dira barbaroe minus
Venena Medeae valent,
Quibus superbam fugit ulta pellicem,
Magni Creontis filiam,
Quum palla, tabo munus imbutum, novam 65
Incendio nuptam abstulit 1
Atqui nec herba nec Iatens in asperis
Radix fefellit me Iocis.
Indormit unctis omnium cubilibus
Oblivione pellicum. 70
Ah ! ah ! solutus ambulat veneficaB
Scientioris carmine.
Non usitatis, Vare, potionibus,
_0 multa fleturum caput !
Ad me recurres ; nec vocata mens tua 75
Marsis redibit vocibus.
Majus parabo, majus infundam tibi
Fastidienti poculum.
Priusque coelum sidet inferius mari,
Tellure porrecta super, 80
Quam non amore sic meo flagres, uti
Bitumen atris ignibus."
Sub haec puer jam non, ut ante, mollibus
Lenire verbis impias ;
Sed, dubius unde rumperet silentium, 85
Misit Thyesteas preces :
" Venena, magnum fas nefasque, non valent
Convertere humanam vicem.
Diris agam vos : dira detestatio
Nulla expiatur victima. 90
Quin, ubi perire jussus exspiravero,
Nocturnus occurram Furor,
EPODON LIBER. 107
Petamque vultus umbra curvis unguibus,
Quae vis Deorum est Manium ;
Et inquietis adsidens praecordiis, 95
Pavore somnos auferam.
Vos turba vicatim hinc et hinc saxis petens
Contundet obsccenas anus.
Pdst insepulta membra different lupi
Et Esquilinae alites : 100
Neque hoc parentes, heu ! mihi superstites !
Effugerit spectaculum."
ODE VI.
IN CASSIUM SEVERUM, POETAM MALEDICUM.
Quid immerentes hospites vexas, canis,
Ignavus adversum lupos 1
Q,uin huc inanes, si potes, vertis minas,
Et me remorsurum petis ?
Nam, qualis aut Molossus aut fulvus Lacon, 5
Amica vis pastoribus,
Agam per altas aure sublata nives,
Quaecunque praecedet fera.
Tu, quum timenda voce complesti nemus,
Projectum odoraris cibum. 10
Cave, cave, namque in malos asperrimus
Parata tollo cornua :
Qualis Lycamb33 spretus infido gener,
Aut acer hostis Bupalo.
An, si quis atro dente me petiverit, 15
Inultus ut flebo puer ?
108 Q- HORATII FLACCI
ODE VII.
AD POPULUM ROMANUM.
Q,uo, qu6 scelesti ruitis ? aut cur dexteris
Aptantur enses conditi ?
Parumne campis atque Neptuno super
Fusum est Latini sanguinis?
Non ut superbas invidae Carthaginis 5
Romanus arces ureret,
Intactus aut Britannus ut descenderet
Sacra catenatus via ;
Sed ut, secundum vota Parthorum, sua
Urbs haec periret dextera. 10
Neque hic lupis mos, nec fuit leonibus,
Nunquam nisi in dispar feris.
Furorne caecus, an rapit vis acrior ?
An culpa ? responsum date.
Tacent ; et ora pallor albus inficit, 15
Mentesque perculsae stupent.
Sic est : acerba fata Romanos agunt,
Scelueque fraternae necis,
Ut immerentis fluxit in terram Remi
Sacer nepotibus cruor. 20
ODE VIII.
AD MjECENATEM.
Quando repostum Caecubum ad festas dapes,
Victore loetus Caesare,
Tecum sub alta, sic Jovi gratum, domo,
Beate Maecenas, bibam,
EPODON LIBER. 100
Sonante mixtum tibiis carmen lyra, 5
Hac Dorium, illis Barbarum ;
Ut nuper, actus quum freto Neptunius
Dux fugit, ustis navibus,
Minatus urbi vincla, quse detraxerat
Servis amicus perfidis 1 10
Romanus, eheu ! (posteri negabitis ! )
Emancipatus fceminse,
Fert vallum et arma miles, et spadonibus
Servire rugosis potest ;
Interque signa turpe militaria 15
Sol adspicit conopium.
Ad hoc frementes verterunt bis mille equos
Galli, canentes Ca^sarem ;
Hostiliumque navium portu latent
Puppes sinistrorsum citae. 20
Io Triumphe ! tu moraris aureos
Currus, et intactas boves :
Io Triumphe ! nec Jugurthino parem
Bello reportasti ducem ;
Neque Africano, cui super Carthaginem 25
Virtus sepulcrum condidit.
Terra marique victus hostis Punico
Lugubre mutavit sagum ;
Aut ille centum nobilem Cretam urbibus,
Ventis iturus non suis, 30
Exercitatas aut petit Syrtes Noto ;
Aut fertur incerto mari.
Capaciores affer huc, puer, scyphos,
Et Chia vina, aut Lesbia,
Vel, quod fluentem nauseam coerceat, 35
Metire nobis Caecubum.
Curam metumque Csesaris rerum juvat
Dulci Lyaeo solvere.
10
110
Q. HORATII FLACCI
ODE IX.
IN MJEVIUM POETAM.
A
Mala soluta navis exit alite,
Ferens olentem Maevium.
Ut horridis utrumque verberes latus,
Auster, memento fluctibus.
Niger rudentes Eurus, inverso mari,
Fractosque remos difFerat.
Insurgat Aquilo, quantus altis montibus
Franoit trementes ilices :
Nec sidus atra nocte amicum appareat,
Q,ua tristis Orion cadit :
Quietiore nec feratur sequore,
Ctuam Graia victorum manus,
Quum Pallas usto vertit iram ab Ilio
In impiam Ajacis ratem.
O quantus instat navitis sudor tuis,
Tibique pallor luteus,
Et illa non virilis ejulatio,
Preces et aversum ad Jovem,
Ionius udo quum remugiens sinus
Noto carinam ruperit !
Opima quod si prseda curvo littore
Porrecta mergos juveris,
Libidinosus immolabitur caper,
Et agna Tempestatibus.
10
15
20
EPODON LIBER. 111
ODE X.
\
AD AMICOS.
Horrida tempestas ccelum contraxit, et imbres
Nivesque deducunt Jovem : nunc mare, nunc silme,
Threicio Aquilone sonant. Rapiamus, amici,
Occasionem de die : dumque virent genua,
Et decet, obducta solvatur fronte senectus. 5
Tu vina Torquato move consule pressa meo.
Csetera mitte loqui : deus haec fortasse benigna
Reducet in sedem vice. Nunc et Achsemenio
Perfundi nardo juvat, et fide Cyllenea
Levare diris pectora sollicitudinibus : 10
Nobilis ut grandi cecinit Centaurus.alumno :
"Invicte mortalis, dea nate puer Thetide,
Te manet Assaraci tellus, quam frigida parvi
Findunt Scamandri flumina, lubricus et Simois ;
Unde tibi reditum certo subtemine Parcae 35
Rupere ; nec mater domum ccerula te revehet.
Illic omne malum vino cantuque levato,
Deformis a^grimoniae dulcibus alloquiis."
ODE XI.
AD POPULUM ROMANUM.
Altera jam teritur bellis civilibus getas,
Suis et ipsa Roma viribus ruit :
Quam neque finitimi valuerunt perdere Marsi,
Minacis aut Etrusca Porsenee manus,
iEmula nec virtus Capuae, nec Spartacus acer,
Novisque rebus infidelis Allobrox,
1 12 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Nec fera ccerulea domuit Germania pube,
Parentibusque abominatus Hannibal,
Impia perdemus devoti sanguinis aetas,
Ferisque rursus occupabitur solum. 10
Barbarus, heu ! cineres insistet victor, et Urbem
Eques sonante verberabit ungula :
Quaeque carent ventis et solibus, ossa Quirini,
Nefas videre ! dissipabit insolens.
Forte, quid expediat, communiter, aut melior pars, 15
Malis carere quaeritis laboribus.
Nulla sit hac potior sententia : Phocseorum
Velut profugit exsecrata civitas,
Agros atque Lares proprios, habitandaque fana
Apris reliquit et rapacibus lupis ; 20
Ire pedes quocunque ferent, quocunque per undas
Notus vocabit aut protervus Africus.
Sic placet ? an melius quis habet suadere 1 secunda
Ratem occupare quid moramur alite ?
Sed juremus in haec : " Simul imis saxa renarint 25
Vadis levata, ne redire sit nefas :
Neu conversa domum pigeat dare lintea, quando
Padus Matina laverit cacumina ;
In mare seu celsus procurrerit Apenninus ;
Novaque monstra junxerit libidine 30
Mirus amor, juvet ut tigres subsidere cervis,
Adulteretur et columba miluo,
Credula nec ravos timeant armenta leones,
Ametque salsa levis hircus aequora."
Haec, et quae poterunt reditus abscindere dulces, 35
Eamus omnis exsecrata civitas,
Aut pars indocili melior grege : mollis et exspes
Inominata perprimat cubilia.
Vos, quibus est virtus, muliebrem tollite luctum,
Etrusca praeter et volate littora. 40
EPODON LIBER. 113
Nos manet Oceanus circum vagus arva : beata
Petamus arva, divites et insulas,
Reddit ubi Cererem tellus inarata quotannis,
Et imputata floret usque vinea,
Germinat et nunquam fallentis termes olivge, 45
Suamque pulla ficus ornat arborem,
Mella cava manant ex ilice, montibus altis
Levis crepante lympha desilit pede.
Ulic injussae veniunt ad mulctra capellse,
Refertque tenta grex amicus ubera ; 50
Nec vespertinus circumgemit ursus ovile,
Nec intumescit alta viperis humus ;
Nulla nocent pecori contagia, nullius astri
Gregem aestuosa torret impotentia.
Pluraque felices mirabimur ; ut neque largis 55
Aquosus Eurus arva radat imbribus,
Pinguia nec siccis urantur semina glebis,
Utrumque rege temperante ccelitum.
Non huc Argoo contendit remige pinus,
Neque impudica Colchis intulit pedem ; 60
Non huc Sidonii torserunt cornua nautse,
Laboriosa nec cohors Ulyssei" :
Jupiter illa piae secrevit littora genti,
Ut inquinavit aere tempus aureum ;
iEre, dehinc ferro duravit saecula, quorum f>5
Piis secunda, vate me, datur fuga.
10*
H4 Q- HORATII FLACCI
ODE XII.
AD CANIDIAM.
HORATIUS.
Jam jam efficaci do manus scientiae ;
Supplex et oro regna per Proserpinae,
Per et Dianae non movenda numina,
Per atque libros carminum valentium
Refixa ccelo devocare sidera, 5
Canidia, parce vocibus tandem sacris,
Citumque retro solve, solve, turbinem.
Movit nepotem Telephus Nereium,
In quem superbus ordinarat agmina
Mysorum, et in quem tela acuta torserat. 10
Unxere matres Iliae addictum feris
Alitibus atque canibus homicidam Hectorem,
Postquam relictis mcenibus rex procidit,
Heu ! pervicacis ad pedes Achillei.
Setosa duris exuere pellibus 15
Laboriosi remiges Ulyssei",
Volente Circe, membra ; tunc mens, et sonus
Relapsus, atque notus in vultus honor.
Dedi satis superque poenarurn tibi,
Amata nautis multum et institoribus. 20
Fugit juventas, et verecundus color
Reliquit ossa pelle amicta lurida ;
Tuis capillus albus est odoribus.
Nullum a labore me reclinat otium :
Urget diem nox, et dies noctem ; neque est 25
Levare tenta spiritu praecordia.
Ergo negatum vincor ut credam miser,
Sabella pectus increpare carmina,
Caputque Marsa dissilire naenia.
EPODON LIBER. H5
Quid amplius vis 1 O mare et terra ! ardeo, 30
Quantum neque atro delibutus Hercules
Nessi cruore, nec Sicana fervida
Urens in ^Etna flamma. Tu, donec cinis
Injuriosis aridus ventis ferar,
Cales venenis officina Colchicis. 35
Quae finis ? aut quod me manet stipendium ?
EfTare : jussas cum fide poenas luam,
Paratus expiare, seu poposceris
Centum juvencos, sive mendaci lyra
Voles sonari ; tu pudica, tu proba, 40
Perambulabis astra sidus aureum.
Infamis Helenae Castor offensus vice,
Fraterque magni Castoris, victi prece,
Adempta vati reddidere lumina.
Et tu, potes nam, solve me dementia, 45
O nec paternis obsoleta sordibus,
Nec in sepulcris pauperum prudens anus
Novendiales dissipare pulveres.
Tibi hospitale pectus et puree manus.
CAJVIDIA.
Quid obseratis auribus fundis preces ? 50 '
Non saxa nudis surdiora navitis
Neptunus alto tundit hibernus salo.
Inultus ut tu riseris Cotyttia
Vulgata, sacrum liberi Cupidinis ?
Et Esquilini pontifex venefici 55
Impune ut urbem nomine impleris meo 1
duid proderat ditasse Pelignas anus,
Velociusve miscuisse toxicum 1
Sed tardiora fata te votis manent.
Ingrata misero vita ducenda est, in hoc, 60
Novis ut usque suppetas doloribus.
Optat quietem Pelopis infidus pater,
116 EPODON LIBER.
Egens benignae Tantalus semper dapis ;
Optat Prometheus obligatus aliti :
Optat supremo collocare Sisyphus 65
In monte saxum : sed vetant leges Jovis.
Voles modo altis desilire turribus,
Modo ense Dectus Norico recludere ;
Frustraque vincla gutturi nectes tuo,
Fastidiosa tristis aegrimonia. 70
Vectabor humeris tunc ego inimicis eques,
Meaeque terra cedet insolentiae.
An, quae movere cereas imagines
(Ut ipse nosti curiosus), et polo
Deripere Lunam vocibus possim meis, 75
Possim crematos excitare mortuos,
Desiderique temperare poculum,
Plorem artis in te nil habentis exitum ?
Q. HORATII FLACCI
CARMEN SiECULARE.
AD APOLLINEM ET DIANAM.
Phcebe, silvarumque potens Diana,
Lucidum coeli decus, o colendi
Semper et culti, date quse precamur
Tempore prisco ;
Quo Sibyllini monuere versus 5
Virgines lectas puerosque castos
Dis, quibus septem placuere colles,
Dicere carmen.
Alme Sol, curru nitido diem qui
Promis et celas, aliusque et idem 10
Nasceris, possis nihil urbe Roma
Visere majus !
Rite maturos aperire partus
Lenis Ilithyia, tuere matres ;
Sive tu Lucina probas vocari, 15
Seu Genitalis.
Diva, producas sobolem, Patrumque
Prosperes decreta super jugandis
Fceminis, prolisque novae feraci
Lege marita. 20
118 , Q. HORATII FLACCI
Certus ut denos decies per annos
Orbis et cantus referatque ludos,
Ter die claro, totiesque grata
Nocte frequentes.
Vosque veraces cecinisse, Parcse, 25
Quod semel dictum est, stabilisque rerum
Terminus servet, bona jam peractis
Jungite fata.
Fertilis frugum pecorisque Tellus
Spicea donet Cererem corona : oO
Nutriant fo3tus et aquae salubres
Et Jovis aurae.
Condito mitis placidusque telo
Supplices audi pueros, Apollo :
Siderum regina bicornis, audi, 35
Luna, puellas.
Roma si vestrum est opus, Iliaeque
Littus Etruscum tenuere turmae,
Jussa pars mutare Lares et urbem
Sospite cursu, 40
Cui per ardentem sine fraude Trojam
Castus iEneas, patriae superstes,
Liberum munivit iter, daturus
Plura relictis :
Di, probos mores docili juventae, 45
Di, senectuti placidae quietem,
Romul33 genti date remque prolemque
Et decus omne.
Q,uaeque vos bobus veneratur albis
Clarus Anchisae Venerisque sanguis, 50
Impetret, bellante prior, jacentem
Lenis in hostem.
CARMEN SJECULARE. H9
Jam mari terraque manus potentes
Medus Albanasque timet secures :
Jam Scythae responsa petunt, superbi 55
Nuper, et Indi.
Jam Fides, et Pax, et Honor, Pudorque
Priscus, et neglecta redire Virtus
Audet ; apparetque beata pleno
Copia cornu. 60
Augur et fulgente decorus arcu
Phcebus, acceptusque novem Camcenis,
Qui salutari levat arte fessos
Corporis artus,
Si Palatinas videt aequus aras ; 65
Remque Romanam Latiumque felix
Alterum in lustrum meliusque semper
Proroget aevum.
Quseque Aventinum tenet Algidumque,
Q,uindecim Diana preces virorum 70
Curet, et votis puerorum amicas
Applicet aures.
Hsec Jovem sentire deosque cunctos
Spem bonam certamque domum reporto,
Doctus et Phcebi chorus et Dianse 75
Dicere laudes.
\
Q. HORATII FLACCI
SATIRARUM
LIBER PRIMUS.
SATIRA I.
AD M.ECENATEM.
Q,ui fit, Msecenas, ut nemo quam sibi sortem
Seu ratio dederit, seu fors objecerit, illa
Contentus vivat, laudet diversa sequentes ?
" O fortunati mercatores ! " gravis annis
Miles ait, multo jam fractus membra labore. 5
Contra mercator, navim jactantibus Austris,
" Militia est potior : quid enim 1 concurritur ; horse
Momento cita mors venit, aut victoria Iseta."
Agricolam laudat juris legumque peritus,
Sub galli cantum consultor ubi ostia pulsat. 10
Ille, datis vadibus qui rure extractus in urbem est,
Solos felices viventes clamat in urbe.
Csetera de genere hoc, adeo sunt multa, loquacem
Delassare valent Fabium. Ne te morer, audi
Q,ud rem deducam. Si quis deus, " En ego," dicat, 15
" Jam faciam quod vultis : eris tu, qui modo miles,
Mercator : tu, consultus mod6, rusticus : hinc vos,
Vos hinc, mutatis discedite partibus. Eia!
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 121
Quid statis ? n Nolint. Atqui licet esse beatis.
Quid causae est merito quin illis Jupiter ambas 20
Iratus buccas inflet, neque se fore posthac
Tam facilem dicat votis ut praebeat aurem 1
Praeterea, ne sic, ut qui jocularia, ridens
Percurram : quanquam ridentem dicere verum
Quid vetat ? ut pueris olim dant crustula blandi 25
Doctores, elementa velint ut discere prima :
Sed tamen amoto quaeramus seria ludo.
IIIg gravem duro terram qui vertit aratro,
Perfidus hic caupa, miles, nautaeque per omne
Auciaces mare qui currunt, hac mente laborem 30
Sese ferre, senes ut in otia tuta recedant,
Aiunt, quum sibi sint congesta cibaria#: sicut
Parvula, nam exemplo est, magni formica laboris •
Ore trahit quodcunque potest, atque addit acervo
Quem struit, haud ignara ac non incauta futuri. 35
Quae, simul inversum contristat Aquarius annum,
Non usquam prorepit, et illis utitur ante
Quaesitis sapiens : quum te neque fervidus aestus
Dimoveat lucro, neque hiems, ignis, mare, ferrum ;
Nil obstet tibi, dum ne sit te ditior alter. 40
Q,uid juvat immensum te argenti pondus et auri
Furtim defossa timidum deponere terra ? —
Quod, si comminuas, vilem redigatur ad assem. —
At, ni id fit, quid habet pulchri constructus acervus ?
Millia frumenti tua triverit area centum ; 45
Non tuus hoc capiet venter plus quam meus : ut, si
Reticulum panis venales inter onusto
Forte vehas humero, nihilo plus accipias quam
Qui nil portarit. Vel dic, quid referat intra
Naturae fines viventi, jugera centum, an 50
Mille aret ? — At suave est ex magno tollere acervo. —
Dum ex parvo nobis tantundem haurire relinquas,
11
122 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Cur tua plus laudes cumeris granaria nostris ?
Ut, tibi si sit opus liquidi non amplius urna,
Vel cyatho, et dicas: " Magno de flumine mallem, 55
Quam ex hoc fonticulo tantundem sumere." E6 fit
Plenior ut si quos delectet copia justo,
Cum ripa simul avulsos ferat Aufidus acer :
At qui tantulo eget quanto est opus, is neque limo
Turbatam haurit aquam, neque vitam amittit in undis. 60
At bona pars hominum decepta cupidine falso,
" Nil satis est," inquit ; " quia tanti, quantum habeas, sis."
Quid facias illi ? jubeas miserum esse, libenter
Quatenus id facit : ut quidam memoratur Athenis,
Sordidus ac dives, populi coritemnere voces 65
Sic solitus : " Populus me sibilat ; at mihi plaudo
Ipse domi, simul ac nummos contemplor in arca."
Tantalus a labris sitiens fugientia captat
Flumina. Quid rides 1 mutato nomine de te
Fabula narratur : congestis undique saccis 70
Indormis inhians, et tanquam parcere sacris
Cogeris, aut pictis tanquam gaudere tabellis.
Nescis quo valeat nummus, quem prsebeat usum 1
Panis ematur, olus, vini sextarius : adde,
Queis humana sibi doleat natura negatis. 75
An vigilare metu exanimem, noctesque diesque
Formidare malos fures, incendia, servos,
Ne te compilent fugientes, hoc juvat 1 horum
Semper ego optarirn pauperrimus esse bonorum. — -
At, si condoluit tentatum frigore corpus, 80
Aut alius casus lecto te affixit, habes qui
Assideat, fomenta paret, medicum roget, ut te
Suscitet, ac reddat natis carisque propinquis 1 —
Non uxor salvum te vult, non filius : omnes
Vicini oderunt, noti, pueri atque puellae. 85
Miraris, quurn tu argento post omnia ponas,
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 123
Si nemo prsestet, quem non merearis, amorem ?
An, si cognatos, nullo natura labore
Quos tibi dat, retinere velis, servareque amicos,
Infelix operam perdas, ut si quis asellum 90
In campo doceat parentem currere fraenis ?
Denique sit finis quserendi ; quoque habeas plus,
Pauperiem metuas minus, et finire laborem
Incipias, parto quod avebas ; ne facias quod
Ummidius quidam, non longa est fabula, dives 95
Ut metiretur nummos ; ita sordidus, ut se
Non unquam servo meliiis vestiret ; ad usque
Supremum tempus, ne se penqria victus
Opprimeret, metuebat. At hunc liberta securi
Divisit medium, fortissima Tyndaridarum. — 100
Quid mi igitur suades 1 ut vivam Nsevius 1 aut sic
Ut Nomentanus 1 — Pergis pugnantia secumj)
Frontibus adversis componere ? Non ego, avarum
Quum veto te fieri, vappam jubeo ac nebulonem.
Est inter Tanaim quiddam socerumque Viselli. 105
Est modus in rebus, sunt certi denique fines,
Q,uos ultra citraque nequit consistere rectum.
Illuc, unde abii, redeo. JNemon' ut avarus
Se probet, at potius laudet diversa sequentes""^-
Quodque aliena capella gerat distentius uber, 110
Tabescai*v neque se majori pauperiorum
Turbae comparet^ hunc atque hunc superare laboret1^
Sie festinanti semper locupletior obstat :
Ut, quum carceribus missos rapit ungula currus,
Instat equis auriga suos vincentibus, illum 115
Prseteritum temnens extremos inter euntem.
Inde fit ut rard, qui se vixisse beatum
Dicat, et exacto contentus tempore vitae
Cedat uti conviva satur, reperire queamus.
Jam satis est : ne me Crispmi scrinia lippi 120
Compilasse putes, verbum non amplius addam.
124 Q- HORATII FLACCI
SATIRA II.
IN MCECHOS.
Ambubajarum collegia, pharmacopolse,
Mendici, mimae, balairones, hoc genus omne
Mcestum ac sollicitum est cantoris morte Tigelli ;
Quippe benignus erat : contra hic, ne prodigus esse
Dicatur metuens, inopi dare nolit amico 5
Frigus quo duramque famem depellere possit.
Hunc si perconteris, avi cur atque parentis
Praeclaram ingrata stringat malus ingluvie rem,
Omnia conductis coemens obsonia nummis ;
Sordidus atque animi quod parvi nolit haberi, 10
Respondet : laudatur ab his, culpatur ab illis.
Fufidius vappae famam timet ac nebulonis,
Dives agris, dives positis in foenore nummis.
Quinas hic capiti mercedes exsecat ; atque
Quanto perditior quisque est, tanto acrius urget; 15
Nomina sectatur, modo sumpta. veste virili
Sub patribus duris, tironum. " Maxime," quis non,
" Jupiter ! " exclamet, simul atque audivit ? — At in se
Pro qusestu sumptum facit. — Hic vix credere possis
Q,uam sibi non sit amicus : ita ut pater ille, Terenti 20
Fabula quem miserum nato vixisse fugato
Inducit, non se pejus cruciaverit atque hic.
Si quis nunc qunerat, " Q-uo res haec pertinet? " IIIuc :
Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt.
Pastillos Rufillus olet, Gorgonius hircum, 25
-C* ^ SATIRARUM LIB. I. 125
SATIRAIII.
Omnibus hoc vitium est cantoribus, inter amicos
Ut nunquam inducant animum cantare rogati,
Injussi nunquam desistant. Sardus habebat
Ille Tigellius hoc. Caesar, qui cogere posset,
Si peteret per amicitiam patris atque suam, non 5
Quidquam proficeret : si collibuisset, ab ovo
Usque ad mala citaret, " Io Bacche," modo summa
Voce, modo hac resonat quae chordis quatuor ima.
Nil squale homini fuit illi : saepe velut qui
Currebat fugiens hostem : perssepe velut qui 10
Junonis sacra ferret : habebat saepe ducentos,
Saepe decem servos : modo reges atque tetrarchas,
Omnia magna loquens; modo, " Sit mihi mensa tripes, et
Concha salis puri, et toga, quae defendere frigus,
Quamvis crassa, queat." Decies centena dedisses 15
Huic parco paucis contento, quinque diebus
Nil erat in loculis : noctes vigilabat ad ipsum
Mane ; diem totam stertebat : nil fuit unquam
Sic impar sibi. Nunc aliquis dicat mihi : — Quid tu ?
Nullane habes vitia 1 — Immo alia, et fortasse minora. 20
Maenius absentem Novium quum carperet ; " Heus tu,"
Cluidarn ait, " ignoras te 1 an ut ignotum dare nobis
Verba putas ? " " Egomet mi ignosco," Maenius inquit.
Stultus et improbus hic amor est, dignusque notari.
Quum tua pervideas oculis mala lippus inunctis, 25
Cur in amicorum vitiis tam cernis acutum,
Quam aut aquila, aut serpens Epidaurius ? At tibi contra
Evenit, inquirant vitia ut tua rursus et illi. —
Iracundior est paulo : minus aptus acutis
Naribus horum hominum. Rideri possit, eo quod 30
Rusticius tonso toga defluit, et male laxus
11*
126 Q- HORATII FLACCI
In pede calceus haeret. — At est bonus, ut melior vir
Non alius quisquam : at tibi amicus : at ingenium ingens
Inculto latet hoc sub corpore. Denique te ipsum
Concute, num qua tibi vitiorum inseverit olim 35
Natura, aut etiam consuetudo mala : namque
Neglectis urenda filix innascitur agris.
111 uc prasvertamur, amatorem quod amicae
Turpia decipiunt caecum vitia, aut etiam ipsa haec
Delectant ; veluti Balbinum polypus Hagnee. 40
Vellem in amicitia sic erraremus, et isti
Errori nomen virtus posuisset honestum.
At, pater ut gnati, sic nos debemus amici,
Si quod sit vitium, non fastidire. Strabonem
Appellat paetum pater ; et pullum, male parvus 45
Si cui filius est, ut abortivus fuit olim
Sisyphus : hunc varum, distortis cruribus ; illum
Balbutit scaurum, pravis fultum male talis.
Parcius hic vivit-? frugi dicatur : ineptus
Et jactantior hic paulo est 1 concinnus amicis 50
Postulat ut videatur : at est truculentior, atque
Plus aequo liber ? simplex fortisque habeatur.
Caldior est 7 acres inter numeretur : opinor,
Haec res et jungit, junctos et servat amicos.
At nos virtutes ipsas invertimus, atque 55
Sincerum cupimus vas incrustare. Probus quis
Nobiscum vivit; multum est demissus homo : illi
Tardo cognomen pingui damus : hic fugit omnes
Insidias, nullique malo latus obdit apertum,
duum genus hoc inter vitae versetur, ubi acris 60
Invidia atque vigent ubi crimina ; pro bene sano
Ac non incauto, fictum astutumque vocamus.
Simplicior quis, et est qualem me saepe libenter
Obtulerim tibi, Maecenas, ut forte legentem
Aut tacitum impellat quovis sermone 7 " Molestus ! 65
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 127
Communi sensu plane caret," inquimus. Eheu !
duam temere in nosmet legem sancimus iniquam !
Nam vitiis nemo sine nascitur : optimus ille est
Qui minimis urgeturT} Amicus dulcis, ut aequum est, .
duum mea compenset vitiis bona, pluribus hisce, 70
Si modo plura mihi bona sunt, inclinet : amari
Si volet hac lege, in trutina ponetur eadem.
Q,ui ne tuberibus propriis offendat amicum
Postulat, ignoscet verrucis illius : aequum est
Peccatis veniam poscentem reddere rursus. 75
Denique, quatenus excidi penitus vitium irae,
Csetera item nequeunt stultis haerentia : cur non
Ponderibus modulisque suis ratio utitur, ac res
Ut quaeque est, ita suppliciis delicta coercet ?
Si quis eum servum, patinam qui tollere jussus 80
Semesos pisces tepidumque ligurrierit jus,
In cruce suffigat, Labeone insanior inter
Sanos dicatur. Quanto hoc furiosius atque
Majus peccatum est ! Paulum deliquit amicus
(duod nisi concedas, habeare insuavis) ; acerbus 85
Odisti, et fugis, ut Drusonem debitor aeris,
Qui, nisi, quum tristes misero venere Kalendae,
Mercedem aut nummos unde unde extricat, amaras
Porrecto jugulo historias, captivus ut, audit.
Comminxit lectum potus, mensave catillum 90
Evandri manibus tritum dejecit ; ob hanc rem,
Aut positum ante mea quia pullum in parte catini
Sustulit esuriens, minus hoc jucundus amicus
Sit mihi. Quid faciam, si furtum fecerit, aut si
Prodiderit commissa fide, sponsumve negarit 1 95
Queis paria esse fere placuit peccata, laborant
Cluum ventum ad verum est : sensus moresque repug-
nant,
Atque ipsa utilitas, justi prope mater et aequi.
128 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Quum prorepserunt primis animalia terris,
Mutum et turpe pecus, glandem atque cubilia propter, 100
Unguibus et pugnis, dein fustibus, atque ita porro
Pugnabant armis quae post fabricaverat usus ;
Donec verba, quibus voces sensusque notarent,
Nominaque invenere : dehinc absistere bello,
Oppida cceperunt munire, et ponere leges, 105
Ne quis fur esset, neu latro, neu quis adulter.
Nam fuit ante Helenam mulier teterrima belli
Causa : sed ignotis perierunt mortibus illi,
Quos Venerem incertam rapientes, more ferarum,
Viribus editior csedebat, ut in grege taurus. 110
Jura inventa metu injusti fateare necesse est,
Tempora si fastosque velis evolvere mundi.
Nec natura potest justo secernere iniquum,
Dividit ut bona diversis, fugienda petendis. X
Nec vincet ratio hoc, tantundem ut peccet idemque 115
Qui teneros caules alieni fregerit horti,
Et qui nocturnus diviim sacra legerit. Adsit
Regula peccatis qua? pcenas irroget aequas,
Ne scutica dignum horribili sectere flagello.
Nam, ut ferula ceedas meritum majora subire 120
Verbera, non vereor ; quum dicas esse pares res
Furta latrociniis, et magnis parva mineris
Falce recisurum simili te, si tibi regnum
Permittant homines. Si dives, qui sapiens est,
Et sutor bonus et solus formosus et est rex ; 125
Cur optas quod habes ? — Non nosti quid pater, inquit,
Chrysippus dicat : sapiens crepidas sibi nunquam
Nec soleas fecit ; sutor tamen est sapiens. — Q,uo 1 —
Ut, quamvis tacet Hermogenes, cantor tamen atque
Optimus est modulator ; ut Alfenus vafer, omni 130
Abjecto instrumento artis, clausaque taberna,
Sutor erat ; sapiens operis sic optimus omnis
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 129
Est opifex solus, sic rex. — Vellunt tibi barbam
Lascivi pueri ; quos tu nisi fuste coerces,
Urgeris turba circum te stante, miserque 135
Rumperis et latras, magnorum maxime regum.
Ne longum faciam : dum tu quadrante lavatum
Rex ibis, neque te quisquam stipator, ineptum
Prseter Crispinum, sectabitur ; et mihi dulces
Ignoscent, si quid peccavero stultus, amici ; 140
Inque vicem illorum patiar delicta libenter,
Privatusque magis vivam te rege beatus.
SATIRA IV.
Eupolts atque Cratinus Aristophanesque, poetae,
Atque alii quorum comoedia prisca virorum est,
Si quis erat dignus describi, quod malus, aut fur,
Quod moechus foret, aut sicarius, aut alioqui
Famosus, multa cum libertate notabant. 5
Hinc omnis pendet Lucilius, hosce sequutus,
Mutatis tantum pedibus numerisque ; facetus,
Emunctae naris, durus componere versus.
Nam fuit hoc vitiosus ; in hora saepe ducentos,
Ut magnum, versus dictabat, stans pede in uno. 10
duum flueret lutulentus, erat quod tollere velles :
Garrulus, atque piger scribendi ferre laborem,
Scribendi recte ; nam ut multum, nil moror. Ecce,
Crispinus minimo me provocat. — Accipe, si vis,
Accipe jam tabulas ; detur nobis locus, hora, 15
Custodes ; videamus uter plus scribere possit. —
Di bene fecerunt, inopis me quodque pusilli
Finxerunt animi, raro et perpauca loquentis :
130 Q- HORATII FLACCI
At tu conclusas hircinis follibus auras,
Usque laborantes, dum ferrum molliat ignis, 20
Ut mavis, imitare . . . Beatus Fannius, ultro
Delatis capsis et imagine ! quum mea nemo
Scripta legat, vulgo recitare timentis, ob hanc rem,
Gluod sunt, quos genus hoc minime juvat, utpote plures
Culpari dignos. Qugmvis media erue turba : 25
Aut ob avaritiam, aut misera ambitione laborat.
Hunc capit argenti splendor ; stupet Albius sere :
Hic mutat merces surgente a sole ad eum quo
Vespertina tepet regio ; quin per mala praeceps
Fertur, uti pulvis collectus turbine, ne quid 30
Summa deperdat metuens, aut ampliet ut rem.
Omnes hi metuunt versus, odere poetas. —
Foenum habet in cornu ; longe fuge, dummodd risum
Excutiat sibi, non hic cuiquam parcet amico ;
Et, quodcunque semel chartis illeverit, omnes 35
Gestiet a furno redeuntes scire, lacuque,
Et pueros et anus. — Agedum, pauca accipe contra.
Primum ego me illorum, dederim quibus esse poetas,
Excerpam numero : neque enim concludere versum
Dixeris esse satis ; neque, si quis scribat, uti nos, 40
Sermoni propiora, putes hunc esse poetam.
Ingenium cui sit, cui mens divinior, atque os
Magna sonaturum, des nominis hujus honorem.
Idcirco quidam, Comoedia necne poema
Esset, quaesivere ; quod acer spiritus ac vis 45
Nec verbis nec rebus inest ; nisi quod pede certo
DirTert sermoni, sermo merus. — At pater ardens
Saevit quod, meretrice nepos insanus amica,
Filius uxorem grandi cum dote recuset,
Ebrius et, magnum quod dedecus, ambulet ante 1 50
Noctem cum facibus. — Numquid Pomponius istis
Audiret leviora, pater si viveret 1 . . . Ergo
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 131
Non satis est puris versum perscribere verbis ;
Q,uem si dissolvas, quivis stomachetur eodem
Quo personatus pacto pater. His, ego quae nunc, 55
Olim quas scripsit Lucilius, eripias si
Tempora certa modosque, et, quod prius ordine ver-
bum est,
Posterius facias, praeponens ultima primis ;
Non, ut si solvas, " Postquam discordia tetra
Betti ferratos postes portasque refregit" 60
Invenias etiam disjecti membra poetse.
Hactenus heec : alias, justum sit necne poema ;
Nunc illud tantum quseram, meritone tibi sit
Suspectum genus hoc scribendi. Sulcius acer
Ambulat et Caprius, rauci male, cumque libellis ; 65
Magnus uterque timor latronibus ; at, bene si quis
Et puris vivat manibus, contemnat utrumque.
Ut sis tu similis Cceli Birrique latronum,
Non ego sim Capri, neque Sulci ; cur metuas me 1
Nulla taberna meos habeat neque pila libellos, 70
Queis manus insudet vulgi Hermogenisque Tigelli ;
Nec recitem cuiquam, nisi amicis, idque coactus,
Non ubivis, coramve quibuslibet. — In medio qui
Scripta foro recitent sunt multi. — Quique Iavantes :
Suave locus voci resonat conclusus. Inanes 75
Hoc juvat, haud illud quaerentes, num sine sensu,
Tempore num faciant alieno. — Laedere gaudes,
Inquis : et hoc studio pravus facis. — Unde petitum
Hoc in me jacis 1 est auctor quis denique eorum
Vixi cum quibus ? Absentem qui rodit amicum ; 80
Qui non defendit, afio culpante ; solutos ,
Qui captat risus hominum, famamque dicacis ;
Fingere qui non visa potest ; commissa tacere
Qui nequit : hic niger est ; hunc tu, Romane, caveto.
Saepe tribus lectis videas coenare quaternos ; 85
132 Q. HORATII FLACCI
E quibus unus avet quavis aspergere cunctos,
Praeter eum qui praebet aquam ; p6st, hunc quoque
potus,
Condita quum verax aperit prsecordia Liber :
Hic tibi comis et urbanus liberque videtur
Infesto nigris. Ego, si risi quod ineptus 90
Pastillos Rufillus olet, Gorgonius hircum,
Lividus et mordax videor tibi. Mentio si qua
De Capitolini furtis injecta Petilli
Te coram fuerit, defendas, ut tuus est mos : —
Me Capitolinus convictore usus amicoque 95
A puero est, causaque mea permulta rogatus
Fecit ; et incolumis laetor qu6d vivit in urbe :
Sed tamen admiror quo pacto judicium illud
Fugerit. — Hic nigrae succus loliginis ; haec est
JErugo mera; quod vitium procul abfore chartis, 100
Atque animo prius, ut, si quid promittere de me
Possum aliud, vere promitto. Liberius si
Dixero quid, si forte jocosius, hoc mihi juris
Cum venia dabis : insuevit pater optimus hoc me,
Ut fugerem, exemplis vitiorum quaeque notando. 105
Quum me hortaretur, parce, frugaliter, atque
Viverem uti contentus eo quod mi ipse parasset :
" Nonne vides, Albi ut male vivat fiiius 1 utque
Barrus inops 1 magnum docnmentum, ne patriam rem
Perdere quis velit." A turpi meretricis amore 110
Quum deterreret, " Sectani dissimilis sis."
Ne sequerer moechas, concessa quum Venere uti
Possem, " Deprensi non bella est fama Treboni/'
Aiebat. " Sapiens, vitatu quidque petitu
Sit melius, causas reddet tibi : mi satis est, si 115
Traditum ab antiquis morem servare, tuamque,
Dum custodis eges, vitam famamque tueri
Incolumem possum : simul ac duraverit aetas
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 133
Membra animumque tuum, nabis sine cortice." Sic me
Formabat puerum dictis : et sive jubebat 120
Ut facerem quid, " Habes auctorem quo facias hoc ; "
Unum ex judicibus selectis objiciebat :
Sive vetabat, " An hoc inhonestum et inutile factum
Necne sit, addubites, flagret rumore malo quum
Hic atque ille 1 " Avidos vicinum funus ut aegros 125
Exanimat, mortisque metu sibi parcere cogit ;
Sic teneros animos aliena opprobria saepe
Absterrent vitiis. Ex hoc ego sanus ab illis
Perniciem quaecunque ferunt 7 mediocribus, et queis y
Ignoscas, vitiis teneor : fortassis et isthinc 130
Largiter abstulerit longa aetas, liber amicus,
Consilium proprium. Neque enim, quum lectulus
aut me
Porticus excepit, desum mihi : " Rectius hoc est ;
Hoc faciens, vivam melius ; sic dulcis amicis
Occurram : hoc quidam non belle ; numquid ego illi 135
Imprudens olim faciam simile ? " Haec ego mecum
Compressis agito labris ; ubi quid datur oti,
Illudo chartis. Hoc est mediocribus illis
Ex vitiis unum ; cui si concedere nolis,
Multa poetarum veniat manus, auxilio quae 140
Sit mihi, nam multo plures sumus ; ac veluti te
Judaei cogemus in hanc concedere turbam.
SATIRA V.
Egressum magna me excepit Aricia Roma
Hospitio modico ; rhetor comes Heliodorus,
Graecorum longe doctissimus. Inde Forum Appi,
12
134 Q- HORATII FLACCl
Differtum nautis, cauponibus atque malignis.
Hoc iter ignavi divisimus, altius ac nos 5
Praecinctis unum : minus est gravis Appia tardis.
Hic ego, propter aquam, quod erat deterrima, ventri
Indico bellum, coenantes haud animo aequo
Exspectans comites. Jam nox inducere terris
Umbras, et ccelo diffundere signa parabat : 10
Tum pueri nautis, pueris convicia nautae
Ingerere. " Huc appelle." " Trecentos inseris ; ohe !
Jam satis est ! " Dum aes exigitur, dum mula ligatur,
Tota abit hora. Mali culices ranseque palustres
Avertunt somnos ; absentem ut cantat amicam 15
Multa prolutus vappa nauta atque viator
Certatim : tandem fessus dormire viator
Incipit; ac missae pastum retinacula mulae
Nauta piger saxo. religat, stertitque supinus.
Jamque dies aderat, quum nil procedere iintrem 20
Sentimus ; donec cerebrosus prosilit unus,
Ac mulse naut33que caput Jumbosque saligno
Fuste dolat : quarta vix demuin exponimur hora.
Ora manusque tua lavimus, Feronia, lympha.
Millia tum pransi tria repimus, atque subimus 25
Impositum saxis late candentibus Anxur.
Huc venturus erat Maecenas, optimus atque
Cocceius, missi magnis de rebus uterque
Legati, aversos soliti componere amicos.
Hic oculis ego nigra meis collyria lippus 30
Illinere. Interea Maecenas advenit atque
Cocceius, Capitoque simul Fonteius, ad unguem
Factus homo, Antoni, non ut magis alter, amicus.
Fundos Aufidio Lusco prsetore libenter
Linquimus, insani ridentes prsemia scribae, 35
PraBtextam, et latum clavum, prunaeque batillum.
In Mamurrarum lassi deinde urbe manemus,
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 135
Muraena. praebente domum, Capitone culinam.
Postera lux oritur multo gratissima : namque
Plotius et Varius Sinuessae Virgiliusque 40
Occurrunt ; animae, quales neque candidiores
Terra tulit, neque queis me sit devinctior alter.
O qui complexus et gaudia quanta fuerunt !
Nil ego contulerim jucundo sanus amico.
Proxima Campano ponti quae villula tectum 45
Praebuit, et parochi, quae debent, ligna salemque.
Hinc muli Capuae clitellas tempore ponunt.
Lusum it Maecenas; dormitum ego Virgiliusque :
Namque pila lippis inimicum et ludere crudis.
Hinc nos Cocceii recipit plenissima villa, 50
duae super est Caudi cauponas. Nunc mihi paucis
Sarmenti scurrae pugnam Messique Cicirri,
Musa, velim memores ; et quo patre natus uterque
Contulerit lites. Messi clarum genus Osci ;
Sarmenti domina exstat. Ab his majoribus orti 55
Ad pugnam venere. Prior Sarmentus : " Equi te
Esse feri similem dico." Ridemus : et ipse
Messius, " Accipio " ; caput et movet. " O tua cornu
Ni foret exsecto frons," inquit, " quid faceres, quum
Sic mutilus minitaris ? " At illi faeda cicatrix 60
Setosam laevi frontem turpaverat oris.
Campanum in morbum, in faciem permulta jocatus,
Pastorem saltaret uti Cyclopa rogabat :
Nil iJli larva aut tragicis opus esse cothurnis.
Multa Cicirrus ad haec : donasset jamne catenam 65
Ex voto Laribus, quaerebat : scriba quod esset,
Deterius nihilo dominae jus esse. Rogabat
Denique cur unquam fugisset, cui satis una
Farris libra foret, gracili sic tamque pusillo.
Prorsus jucunde ccenam produximus illam. 70
Tendimus hinc recta Beneventum, ubi sedulus hospes
136' Q- HORATII FLACCI
Pene arsit, macros dum turdos versat in igne :
Nam vaga per veterem dilapso flamma culinam
Vulcano summum properabat lambere tectum.
Convivas avidos ccenam servosque timentes 75
Tum rapere, atque omnes restinguere velle videres.
Incipit ex illo montes Apulia notos
Ostentare mihi, quos torret Atabulus, et quos
Nunquam erepsemus, nisi nos vicina Trivici
Villa recepisset, lacrymoso non sine fumo, 80
Udos cum foliis ramos urente camino.
Quatuor hinc rapimur viginti et millia rhedis,
Mansuri oppidulo quod versu dicere non est,
Signis perfacile est : venit vilissima rerum
Hic aqua ; sed panis longe puleherrimus, ultra 85
Callidus ut soleat humeris portare viator :
Nam Canusi lapidosus, aquae non ditior urna ;
Qui locus a forti Diomede est conditus olim.
Flentibus hic Varius discedit mcestus amicis.
Inde Rubos fessi pervenimus, utpote longum 90
Carpentes iter, et factum corruptius imbri.
Postera tempestas melior ; via pejor ad usque
Bari moenia piscosi. Dehinc Gnatia, lymphis
Iratis exstructa, dedit risusque jocosque ;
Dum, flamma sine, thura liquescere limine sacro 95
Persuadere cupit : credat Judaeus Apella,
Non ego ; namque deos didici securum agere aevum ;
Nec, si quid miri faciat natura, deos id
Tristes ex alto cceli demittere tecto.
Brundusium longae finis chartaeque viaeque. 100
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 137
SATIRA VI.
AD MJ2CENATEM.
j
Non, quia, Maecenas, Lydorum quidquid Etruscos
Incoluit fines, nemo generosior est te ;
Nec quod avus tibi maternus fuit atque paternus
Olim qui magnis legionibus imperitarent ;
Ut plerique solent, naso suspendis adunco 5
Ignotos, ut me libertino patre natum :
Quum referre negas, quali sit quisque parente
Natus, dum ingenuus. Persuades hoc tibi vere,
Ante potestatem Tulli atque ignobile regnum,
Multos saepe viros nullis majoribus ortos 10
Et vixisse probos, amplis et honoribus auctos :
Contra, Laevinum, Valeri genus, unde Superbus
Tarquinius regno pulsus fuit, unius assis
Non unquam pretio pluris licuisse, notante
Judice, quem nosti, populo, qui stultus honores 15
Saepe dat indignis et famae servit ineptus ;
Qui stupet in titulis et imaginibus. Quid oportet
Nos facere, a vulgo ionge lateque remotos?
Namque esto, populus Laevino mallet honorem
Quam Decio mandare novo ; censorque moveret 20
Appius, ingenuo si non essem patre natus :
Vel merito, quoniam in propria non pelle quiessem.
Sed fulgente trahit constrictos Gloria curru
Non minus ignotos generosis. Quo tibi, Tulli,
Sumere depositum clavum, fierique tribuno 1 25
Invidia accrevit, privato quse minor esset ;
Nam, ut quisque insanus nigris medium impediit crus
Pellibus, et latum demisit pectore clavum,
Audit continuo, " Q,uis homo hic 1 " et, " Q,uo patre
natus 1 "
Ut, si qui aegrotet quo morbo Barrus, haberi 30
12*
138 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Ut cupiat formosus, eat quacunque, puellis
Injiciat curam quaerendi singula, quali
Sit facie, sura. quali, pede, dente, capillo :
Sic qui promittit, cives, Urbem sibi curae,
Imperium fore, et Italiam, et delubra deorum ; 35
Quo patre sit natus, num ignota. matre inhonestus,
Omnes mortales curare et quaerere cogit. —
Tune Syri, Damae, aut Dionysi filius, audes
Dejicere e saxo cives, aut tradere Cadmo ? —
At Novius collega gradu post me sedet uno : 40
Namque est ille, pater quod erat meus. — Hoc tibi Pau-
lus
Et Messala videris ? At hic, si plaustra ducenta
Concurrantque foro tria funera, magna sonabit
Cornua quod vincatque tubas : saltem tenet hoc nos.
Nunc ad me red-eo, libertino patre natum : 45
Quem rodunt omnes libertino patre natum ;
Nunc, quia, Msecenas, tibi sum convictor ; at olim,
duod mihi pareret legio Romana tribuno.
Dissimile hoc illi est : quia non, ut forsit honorem
Jure mihi invideat quivis, ita te quoque amicum ; 50
Praesertim cautum dignos assumere, prava
Ambitione procul. Felicein dicere non hoc
Me possum, casu quod te sortitus amicum ;
Nulla etenim tibi me fors obtulit: optimus olim
Virgilius, post hunc Varius, dixere quid essem. 55
Ut veni coram, singultim pauca locutus,
Infans namque pudor prohibebat plura profari,
Non ego me claro natum patre, non ego circum
Me Satureiano vectari rura caballo,
Sed, quod eram, narro. Respondes, ut tuus est mos, 60
Pauca : abeo; et revocas nono post mense, jubesque
Esse in amicorum numero. Magnum hoc ego duco,
Quod placui tibi, qui turpi secernis honestum,
SATIRARUM LIB. I. ] 39
Non patre praeclaro, sed vita et pectore puro.
Atqui, si vitiis mediocribus ac mea paucis 65
Mendosa est natura, alioqui recta, velut si
Egregio inspersos reprendas corpore naevos ;
Si neque avaritiam, neque sordes, nec mala lustra,
Objiciet vere quisquam mihi ; purus et insons
(Ut me collaudem) si vivo, et carus amicis : 70
Causa fiiit pater his, qui macro pauper agello
Noluit in Flavi ludum me mittere, magni
Q,uo pueri magnis e centurionibus orti,
Laevo suspensi loculos tabulamque lacerto,
Ibant octonis referentes idibus aera. 75
Sed puerum est ausus Romam portare, docendum
Artes quas doceat quivis eques atque senator
Semet prognatos : vestem servosque sequentes
In magno ut populo si quis vidisset, avita
Ex re praeberi sumptus mihi crederet illos. 80
Ipse mihi custos incorruptissimus omnes
Circum doctores aderat. Quid multa ? pudicum,
Qui primus virtutis honos, servavit ab omni
Non solum facto, verum opprobrio quoque turpi :
Nec timuit, sibi ne vitio quis verteret, olim 85
Si praeco parvas, aut, ut fuit ipse, coactor,
Mercedes sequerer ; neque ego essem questus. Ab hoc
nunc
Laus illi debetur et a me gratiarnajor.
Nil me poeniteat sanum patris hujus : eoque
Non, ut magna dolo factum negat esse suo pars 90
Quod non ingenuos habeat clarosque parentes,
Sic me defendam. Longe mea discrepat istis
Et vox et ratio. Nam si natura juberet
A certis annis aevum remeare peractum,
Atque alios legere ad fastum quoscunque parentes 95
Optaret sibi quisque ; meis contentus, honestos
140 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Fascibus et sellis nolim mihi sumere ; demens
Judicio vulgi ; sanus fortasse tuo, quod
Nollem onus, haud unquam solitus, portare moles-
tum.
Nam mihi continuo major quaerenda foret res, 100
Atque salutandi plures ; ducendus et unus
Et comes alter, uti ne solus rusve peregreve
Exirem ; plures calones atque caballi
Pascendi ; ducenda petorrita. Nunc mihi curto
Ire licet mulo, vel, si libet, usque Tarentum, 105
Mantica cui lumbos onere ulceret, atque eques armos.
Objiciet nemo sordes mihi, quas tibi, Tulli,
Q,uum Tiburte via praetorem quinque sequuntur
Te pueri, lasanum portantes oenophorumque.
Hoc ego commodius, quam tu, praeclare senator, 110
Millibus atque aliis vivo : quacunque libido est,
Incedo solus ; percontor quanti olus ac far ;
Fallacem circum vespertinumque pererro
Saepe forum ; assisto divinis ; inde domum me
Ad porri et ciceris refero laganique catinum : 115
Coena ministratur pueris tribus ; et lapis albus
Pocula cum cyatho duo sustinet ; adstat echino
Vilis cum patera guttus, Campana supellex.
Deinde eo dormitum, non sollicitus mihi quod cras
Surgendum sit mane, obeundus Marsya, qui se 120
Vultum ferre negat Noviorum posse minoris.
Ad quartam jaceo ; post hanc vagor ; aut ego, lecto
Aut scripto quod me tacitum juvet, ungor olivo,
Non quo fraudatis immundus Natta lucernis.
Ast, ubi me fessum sol acrior ire lavatum 125
Admonuit, fugio rabiosi tempora signi.
Pransus non avide, quantum interpellet inani
Ventre diem durare, domesticus otior. Hsec est
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 141
Vita solutorum misera ambitione gravique :
His me consolor, victurus suavius ac si 130
Q-uaestor avus pater atque meus patruusque fuissent.
SATIRA VII.
Proscripti Regis Rupili pus atque venenum
Ibrida quo pacto sit Persius ultus, opinor
Omnibus et lippis notum et tonsoribus esse.
Persius hic permagna negotia dives habebat
Clazomenis, etiam lites cum Rege molestas ; 5
Durus homo, atque odio qui posset vincere Regem ;
Confidens, tumidusque ; adeo sermonis amari,
Sisennas, Barros, ut equis preecurreret albis.
Ad Regem redeo. Postquam nihil inter utrumque
Convenit (hoc etenim sunt omnes jure molesti, 10
duo fortes, quibus adversum bellum incidit : inter
Hectora Priamiden animosum atque inter Achillem
Ira fuit capitalis, ut ultima divideret mors ;
Non aliam ob causam, nisi quod virtus in utroque
Summa fuit. Duo si discordia vexet inertes, 15
Aut si disparibus bellum incidat, ut Diomedi
Cum Lycio Glauco ; discedet pigrior, ultro
Muneribus missis) Bruto praetore tenente
Ditem Asiam, Rupili et Persi par pugnat, uti non
Compositus melius cum Bitho Bacchius ; in jus 20
Acres procurrunt, magnum spectaculum uterque.
Persius exponit causam, ridetur ab omni
Conventu ; laudat Brutum, laudatque cohortem ;
Solem Asiae Brutum appellat ; stellasque salubres
Appellat comites, excepto Rege ; Canem illum, 25
142 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Invisum agricolis sidus, venisse : ruebat,
Flumen ut hibernum fertur qud rara securis.
Tum Prsenestinus salso multumque fluenti
Expressa arbusto regerit convicia ; durus
Vindemiator et invictus, cui seepe viator 30
Cessisset, magna compellans voce cuculum.
At Grsecus, postquam est Italo perfusus aceto,
Persius exclamat : " Per magnos, Brute, deos te
Oro, qui reges consueris tollere, cur non
Hunc Regem jugulas ? operum hoc, mihi crede, tuo-
rum est." 35
SATIRA VIII.
Olim truncus eram ficulnus, inutile lignum,
Quum faber, incertus scamnum faceretne Priapum,
Maluit esse deum. Deus inde ego, furum aviumque
Maxima formido : nam fures dextra coercet,
Ast importunas volucres in vertice arundo 5
Terret fixa, vetatque novis considere in hortis.
Huc prius angustis ejecta cadavera cellis
Conservus vili portanda locabat in arca.
Hoc miserae plebi stabat commune sepulcrum,
Pantolabo scurrae, Nomentanoque nepoti. 10
Mille pedes in fronte, trecentos cippus in agrum
Hic dabat ; haeredes monumentum ne sequeretur.
Nunc licet Esquiliis habitare salubribus, atque
Aggere in aprico spatiari, quo modo tristes
Albis informem spectabant ossibus agrum. 15
Quum mihi non tantum furesque, feiaeque suetae
Hunc vexare locum, curae sunt atque labori,
duantum carminibus quae versant atque venenis
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 143
Humanos animos : has nullo perdere possum
Nec prohibere modo, simul ac vaga luna decorum 20
Protulit os, quin ossa legant, herbasque nocentes.
Vidi egomet nigra succinctam vadere palla
Canidiam, pedibus nudis passoque capillo,
Cum Sagana majore ululantem ; pallor utrasque
Fecerat horrendas aspectu. Scalpere terram 25
Unguibus, et pullam divellere mordicus agnam
Co3perunt : cruor in fossam confusus, ut inde
Manes elicerent, animas responsa daturas.
Lanea et effigies erat, altera cerea ; major
Lanea, quae pcenis compesceret inferiorem. 30
Cerea suppliciter stabat, servilibus, utque
Jam peritura, modis. Hecaten vocat altera saevam,
Altera Tisiphonen : serpentes atque videres
Infernas errare canes ; lunamque rubentem,
Ne foret his testis, post magna latere sepulcra. 35
Mentior at si quid, merdis caput inquiner albis
Corvorum ; atque in me veniant mictum atque caca-
tum
Julius et fragilis Pediatia furque Voranus.
Singula quid memorem ? quo pacto alterna ioquentes
Umbrae cum Sagana resonarint triste et acutum ; 40
Utque lupi barbam variae cum dente colubrae
Abdiderint furtim terris ; et imagine cerea
Largior arserit ignis ; et ut non testis inultus
Horruerim voces Furiarum et facta duarum ?
Nam, displosa sonat quantum vesica, pepedi 45
Diffissa nate ficus ; at illae currere in urbem :
Canidiae dentes, altum Saganae caliendrum
Excidere, atque herbas, atque incantata lacertis
Vincula, cum magno risuque jocoque videres.
144 Q- HORATII FLACCI
SATIRA IX.
Ibam forte via Sacra, sicut meus est mos,
Nescio quid meditans nugarum, totus in illis :
Accurrit quidam notus mihi nomine tantum ;
Arreptaque manu : " Quid agis, dulcissime, rerum ? "
" Suaviter, ut nunc est," inquam ; " et cupio omnia quae
vis." 5
Q,uum assectaretur, " Num quid vis ? " occupo. At ille,
" Noris nos," inquit ; " docti sumus." Hic ego, " Pluris
Hoc," inquam, " mihi eris." Misere discedere quaerens,
Ire modo ocius, interdum consistere, in aurem
Dicere nescio quid puero. Quum sudor ad imos 10
Manaret talos : " O te, Bolane, cerebri
Felicem ! " aiebam tacitus. Q,uum quidlibet ille
Garriret, vicos, urbem laudaret ; ut illi
Nil respondebam : " Misere cupis," inquit, " abire,
Jamdudum video : sed nil agis ; usque tenebo, 15
Persequar. Hinc quo nunc iter est tibi 1 " " Nil opus est te
Circumagi : quendam volo visere, non tibi notum :
Trans Tiberim longe cubat is, prope Caesaris hortos."
" Nil habeo quod agam, et non sum piger ; usque se-
quar te."
Demitto auriculas, ut iniquea mentis asellus, 20
duum gravius dorso subiit onus. Incipit ille :
" Si bene me novi, non Viscum pluris amicum,
Non Varium, facies : nam quis me scribere plures
Aut citius possit versus ? quis membra movere
Mollius ? invideat quod et Hermogenes, ego canto." 25
Interpellandi locus hic erat : " Est tibi mater,
Cognati, queis te salvo est opus 1 " " Haud mihi quis-
quam ; -
Omnes composui." " Felices ! nunc ego resto :
Confice ; namque instat fatum mihi triste, Sabella
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 145
Quod puero cecinit, divina mota anus urna : 30
' Hunc neque dira venena, nec hosticus aufcret ensis,
Nec laterum dolor, aut tussis, nec tarda podagra ;
Garrulus hunc quando consumet cunque : loquaces,
Si sapiat, vitet, simul atque adoleverit setas.' "
Ventum erat ad Vestse, quarta jam parte diei 35
Prasterita ; et casu, tunc respondere vadato
Debebat : quod ni fecisset, perdere litem.
11 Si me amas," inquit, " paulum hic ades." " Inteream, si
Aut valeo stare, aut novi civilia jura !
Et propero quo scis." " Dubius sum quid faciam," in-
quit ; 40
" Tene relinquam, an rem." " Me, sodes." " Non faciam,"
ille ;
Et pra^cedere ccepit. Ego, ut contendere durum est
Cum victore, sequor. " Maecenas quomodo tecum ? "
Hinc repetit. " Paucorum hominum, et mentis bene
sanre :
Nemo dexterius fortuna est usus." " Haberes 45
Magnum adjutorem, posset qui ferre secundas,
Hunc hominem velles si tradere ; dispeream, ni
Summdsses omnes." " Non isto vivimus iilic,
Q,uo tu rere, modo : domus hac nec purior ulla est,
Nec magis his aliena malis : nil mi officit unquam, 50
Ditior hic, aut est quia doctior : est locus uni-
cuique suus." " Magnum narras, vix credibile." " Atqui
Sic habet." " Accendis quare cupiam magis illi
Proximus esse." " Velis tantummodo ; quse tua virtus,
Expugnabis : et est qui vinci possit ; ecque 55
Difficiles aditus primos habet." " Haud mihi deero :
Muneribus servos corrumpam ; non, hodie si
Exclusus fuero, desistam ; tempora quaeram ;
Occurram in triviis ; deducam. Nil sine mugno
Vita labore dedit mortalibus." Haec dum agit, ecce 60
13
146 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Fuscus Aristius occurrit, mihi carus, et illum
Q,ui pulchre nosset. Consistimus. " Unde venis ? " et
" Q,uo tendis ? " rogat ; et respondet. Vellere cospi,
Et prensare manu lentissima brachia, nutans,
Distorquens oculos, ut me eriperet : male salsus 65
Ridens dissimulare : meum jecur urere bilis.
" Certe nescio quid secreto velle loqui te
Aiebas mecum." " Memini bene ; sed meliori
Tempore dicam : hodie tricesima sabbata ; vin' tu
Cwrtis Juda^is oppedere ? " " Nulla mihi," inquam, 70
" Relligio est." " At mi : sum paulo infirmior, unus
Multorum : ignosces ; alias loquar." " Hunccine solem
Tam nigrum surrexe mihi ! fugit improbus, ac me
Sub cultro linquit." Casu venit obvius illi
Adversarius : et, " Qud tu, turpissime ? " magna 75
Exclamat voce ;- et, " Licet antestari ? " Ego vero
Oppono auriculam : rapit in jus : clamor utrinque ;
Undique concursus. Sic me servavit Apollo.
SATIRA X.
Nempe incomposito dixi pede currere versus
Lucili. Quis tam Lucili fautor inepte est,
Ut non hoc fateatur ? At idem, qu6d sale multo
Urbem defricuit, charta laudatur eadem.
Nec tamen hoc tribuens dederim quoque csstera : nam sic 5
Et Laberi mimos, ut pulchra poemata, mirer.
Ergo non satis est risu diducere rictum
Auditoris : et est qua^dam tamen hic quoque virtus.
Est brevitate opus, ut currat sententia, neu se
tmpediat verbis lassas onerantibus aures. 10
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 147
Et sermone opus est modo tristi, ssepe jocoso,
Defendente vicem modo rhetoris atque poetae,
Interdum urbani, parcentis viribus, atque
Extenuantis eas consulto. Ridiculum acri
Fortius et melius magnas pleriimque secat res. 15
Illi, scripta quibus comoedia prisca viris est,
Hoc stabant, hoc sunt imitandi ; quos neque pulcher
Hermogenes unquam legit, neque simius iste,
Nil praeter Calvum et doctus cantare Catullum. —
At magnum fecit, quod verbis Grseca Latinis 20
Miscuit. — O seri studiorum ! quine putetis
Difficile et mirum, Rhodio quod Pitholeonti
Contigit 1 — At sermo lingua concinnus utraque
Suavior, ut Chio nota si commixta Falerni est.
Q,uum versus facias, te ipsum percontor, an et quum 25
Dura tibi peragenda rei sit causa Petilli,
Scilicet oblitus patriaeque patrisque Latini,
&uum Pedius causas exsudet Poplicola, atque
Corvinus, patriis intermiscere petita
Verba foris malis, Canusini more bilinguis ? 30
Atque ego, quum Graecos facerem, natus mare citra,
Versiculos, vetuit me tali voce Quirinus,
Post mediam noctem visus, quum somnia vera :
In silvam non ligna feras insanius, ac si
Magnas Graecorum malis implere catervas. 35
Turgidus Alpinus jugulat dum Memnona, dumque
Diffingit Rheni luteum caput, ha^c ego ludo,
Quae nec in ^Ede sonent certantia, judice Tarpa,
Nec redeant iterum atque iterum spectanda theatris.
Arguta meretrice potes, Davoque Chremeta 4()
Eludente senem, comis garrire libellos,
Unus vivorum, Fundani : Pollio regum
Facta canit, pede ter percusso : forte epos acer,
Ut nemo, Varius ducit : molle atque facetum
148 Q. HORATII FLACCI
Virgilio annuerunt gaudentes rure Camcense. 45
Hoc erat, experto frustra Varrone Atacino
Atque quibusdam aliis, melius quod scribere possem,
Inventore minor : neque ego illi detrahere ausim
Hasrentem capiti multa cum laude coronam.
At dixi fluere hunc lutulentum, saepe ferentem 50
Plura quidem tollenda relinquendis : age, quseso,
Tu nihil in magno doctus reprendis Homero ?
Nil comis tragici mutat Lucilius Acci ?
Non ridet versus Enni gravitate minores,
Quum de se loquitur, non ut majore reprensis ? 55
Quid vetat et nosmet, Lucili scripta legentes,
Quasrere num illius, num rerum, dura negarit
Versiculos natura magis factos, et euntes
Mollius, ac si quis pedibus quid claudere senis,
Hoc tantum, contentus, amet scripsisse ducentos 60
Ante cibum versus, totidem coenatus ; Hetrusci
tiuale fuit Cassi rapido ferventius amni
Ingenium, capsis quem fama est esse librisque
Ambustum propriis ? Fuerit Lucilius, inquam,
Comis et urbanus ; fuerit limatior idem, 65
Quam rudis et Greecis intacti carminis auctor,
Quamque poetarum seniorum turba : sed ille,
Si foret hoc nostrum fato dilatus in sevum,
Detereret sibi multa ; recideret omne quod ultra
Perfectum traheretur ; et in versu faciendo 70
Saepe caput scaberet, vivos et roderet ungues.
Saepe stylum vertas, iterum, quae digna legi sint,
Scripturus, neque, te ut miretur turba, labores,
Contentus paucis lectoribus. An tua demens
Vilibus in ludis dictari carmina malis ? 75
Non ego : nam satis est Equitem mihi plaudere, ut au-
dax,
Contemptis aliis, explosa Arbuscula dixit.
SATIRARUM LIB. I. 149
. "i
Men' moveat cimex Pantilius ? aut crucier, quod
VelCcet absentem Demetrius, aut, quod ineptus
Fannius Hermogenis laedat conviva Tigellf 1 80
Plotius et Varius, Maecenas Virgiliusque,
Valgius, et probet hsec Octavius optimus, atque
Fuscus ; et haec utinam Viscorum laudet uterque ;
Ambitione relegata, te dicere possum,
Pollio, te, Messala, tuo cum fratre ; simulque 85
Vos, Bibule et Servi ; simul his te, candide Furni :
Complures alios, doctos ego quos et amicos
Prudens prsetereo, quibus haec, sint qualiacunque,
Arridere velim ; doliturus, si placeant spe
Peterms nostra. Demetri, teque, Tigelli, 90
Discipularum inter jubeo plorare cathedras.
I, puer, atque meo citus haec subscribe libello.
13*
Q. HORATII FLACCI
SATIRARUM
LIBER SECUNDUS.
SATIRA I.
HORATIUS.
Sunt quibus in Satira videor nimis acer, et ultra
Legem tendere opus ; sine nervis altera, quidquid
Composui, pars esse putat,' similesque meorum
Mille die versus deduci posse. Trebati,
Quid faciam preescribe.
TREBATIUS.
Q,uiescas.
HORATIUS.
Ne faciam, inquis; 5
Omnino versus 1
*
TREBATIUS.
Aio.
HORATIUS.
Peream male, si non
Optimum erat : verum nequeo dormire.
TREBATIUS.
Ter uncti
Transnanto Tiberim, somno quibus est opus alto,
Irriguumque mero sub noctem corpus habento.
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 151
Aut, si tantus amor scribendi te rapit, aude 10
Csesaris invicti res dicere, multa laborum
Praemia laturus.
HORATIUS.
Cupidum, pater optime, vires
Deficiunt : neque enim quivis horrentia pilis
Agmina, nec fracta. pereuntes cuspide Gallos,
Aut labentis equo describat vulnera Parthi. 15
TREBATIUS.
Attamen et justum poteras et scribere fortem,
Scipiadam ut sapiens Lucilius.
HORATIUS.
Haud mihi deero,
duum res ipsa feret. Nisi dextro tempore, Flacci
Verba per attentam non ibunt Caesaris aurem :
Cui male si palpere, recalcitrat undique tUtiis, 20
TREBATIUS.
♦Quanto rectius hpc, quam tristi lsedere versu
Pantolabum scurram Nomentanumque nepotem !
Quum sibi quisque timet, quanquam est intactus, et
odit.
HORATIUS.
Q,uid faciam ? Saltat Milonius, ut semel icto
Accessit fervor capiti numerusque lucernis : 25
Castor gaudet equis ; ovo prognatus eodem,
Pugnis : quot capitum vivunt, totidem studiorum
Millia. Me pedibus delectat claudere verba,
Lucili ritu, nostrum melioris utroque.
Ille velut fidis arcana sodalibus olim 30
Credebat libris ; neque, si male cesserat, usquam
Decurrens alio, neque si bene : quo fit ut omnis
Votiva pateat veluti descripta tabella
Vita senis. Sequor hunc, Lucanus an Appulus, anceps :
Nam Venusinus arat finem sub utrumque colonus, 35
Missus ad hoc, pulsis, vetus est ut fama, Sabellis,
152 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Quo ne per vacuum Romano incurreret hostis ;
Sive quod Appula gens, seu quod Lucania bellum
Incuteret violenta. Sed hic stylus haud petet ultro
Q,uenquam animantem ; et me veluti custodiet ensis 40
Vagina tectus ; quem cur distringere coner,
Tutus ab infestis latronibus 1 O pater et rex
Jupiter, ut pereat positum rubigine telum,
Nec quisquam noceat cupido mihi pacis ! At ille
Q,ui me commorit, " Melius non tangere ! " clamo, 45
Flebit, et insignis tota cantabitur urbe.
Servius iratus leges minitatur et urnam :
Canidia Albuti, quibus est inimica, venenum j^J
Grande malum Turius, si quis se judice certet.
Ut, quo quisque valet, suspectos terreat, utque 50
'Imperet hoc natura potens, sic collige mecum :
Dente lupus, cornu taurus petit ; unde, nisi intus
Monstratum 1 Scsevse vivacem crede nepoti
Matrem : nil faciet sceleris pia dextera : mirum !
Ut neque calce lupus quenquam, neque dente petit
bos : 55
y Sed mala tollet anum vitiato melle cicuta.
Ne longum faciam ; seu me tranquilla senectus
Exspectat, seu mors atris circumvolat alis ;
Dives, inops ; Romse, seu fors ita jusserit, exsul ;
Quisquis erit vitae, scribam, color.
TREBATIUS.
O puer, ut sis 60
Vitalis metuo, et majorum ne quis amicus
Frigore te feriat.
HORATIUS.
Quid ? quum est Lucilius ausus
Primus in hunc operis componere carmina morem,
Detrahere et pellem, nitidus qua quisque per ora
Cederet, introrsum turpis ; num Laelius, et qui 65
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 153
Duxit ab oppressa meritum Carthagine nomen,
Ingenio offensi, aut laeso doluere Metello,
Famosisque Lupo cooperto versibus ? Atqui
Primores populi arripuit populumque tributim,
Scilicet uni aequus virtuti atque ejus amicis. 70
Quin, ubi se a vulgo et scena in secreta remorant
Virtus Scipiadas et mitis sapientia Laeli,
Nugari cum illo, et discincti ludere, donec
Decoqueretur olus, soliti. Quidquid sumego, quamvis
Infra Lucili censum ingeniumque, tamen me 75
Cum magnis vixisse invita fatebitur usque
Invidia, et, fragili quaerens illidere dentem,
Offendet solido : nisi quid tu, docte Trebati,
Dissentis.
TREBATIUS.
Equidem nihil hic diffineTere possum.
Sed tamen, ut monitus caveas, ne forte negoti 80
Incutiat tibi quid sanctarum inscitia legum,
Si mala condiderit in quem quis carmina, jus est
Judiciumque.
HORATIUS.
Esto, si quis mala ; sed bona si quis
Judice condiderit laudatus Caesare, si quis
Opprobriis dignum latraverit, integer ipse ? 85
TREBATIUS.
Solventur risu tabulss : tu missus abibis.
SATIRA II.
Q,uj£ virtus et quanta, boni, sit vivere parvo,
Nec meus hic sermo est, sed quae praecepit Ofellus
Rusticus, abnormis sapiens crassaque Minerva,
154 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Discite, non inter lances mensasque nitentes,
Quum stupet insanis acies fulgoribus, et quum 5
Acclinis falsis animus meliora recusat ;
Verum hic impransi mecum disquirite. — Cur hoc 1 —
Dicam, si potero. Male verum examinat omnis
Corruptus judex. Leporem sectatus, equove
Lassus ab indomito, vel si Romana fatigat 10
Militia assuetum grascari, seu pila velox,
Molliter austerum studio fallente laborem,
Seu te discus agit ; pete cedentem aera disco :
Quum labor extuderit fastidia, siccus, inanis,
Sperne cibum vilem ; nisi Hymettia mella Falerno 15
Ne biberis diluta ; foris est promus, et atrum
Defendens pisces hiemat mare ; cum sale panis
Latrantem stomachum bene leniet. Unde putas, aut
Qui partum 1 Non in caro nidore voluptas
Summa, sed in te ipso est. Tu pulmentaria qusere 20
Sudando : pinguem vitiis albumque nec ostrea,
Nec scarus, aut poterit peregrina juvare lagois.
Vix tamen eripiam, posito pavone, velis quin
Hoc potius, quam gallina, tergere palatum,
Corruptus vanis rerum ; quia veneat auro 25
Rara avis, et picta pandat spectacula cauda.
Tanquam ad rem attineat quidquam. Num vesceris ista
Quam laudas pluma 1 coctove num adest honor idem ?
Carne tamen quamvis distat nihil hac magis illa,
Imparibus formis deceptum te patet ; esto : 30
Unde datum sentis, lupus hic Tiberinus, an alto
Captus hiet, pontesne inter jactatus, an amnis
Ostia sub Tusci 1 Laudas, insane, trilibrem
Mullum, in singula quem minuas pulmenta necesse est.
Ducit te species, video. Qud pertinet ergo 35
Proceros odisse lupos? Quia scilicet illis
Majorem natura modum dedit, his breve pondus.
VVU0
*0*
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 155
" Porrectum magno magnum spectare catino
Vellem," ait Harpyiis giila digna rapacibus. At vos,
Praesentes Austri, coquite horum obsonia : quamvis 40
Putet aper rhombusque recens, mala copia quando
iEgrum sollicitat stomachum ; quum rapula plenus
Atque acidas mavult inulas. Necdum omnis abacta
Pauperies epulis regum : nam vilibus ovis
Nigrisque est oleis hodie locus. Haud ita pridem 45
Galloni praeconis erat acipensere mensa
Infamis. Q,ufd ? tum rhombos minus aequor alebat ?
Tutus erat rhombus, tutoque ciconia nido,
Donec vos auctor docuit praetorius. * Ergo,
Si quis nunc mergos suaves edixerit assos, 50
Parebit pravi docilis Romana juventus.
Sordidus a tenui victu distabit, Ofello
Judice : nam frustra vitium vitaveris illud,
Si te alio pravum detorseris. Avidienus,
Cui Canis ex vero ductum cognomen adhaeret, 55
Quinquennes oleas est et silvestria corna ;
Ac, nisi mutatum, parcit defundere vinum ; et
Cujus odorem olei nequeas perferre, licebit
Ille repotia, natales, aliosve dierum
Festos albatus celebret, cornu ipse bilibri 60
Caulibus instillat, veteris non parcus aceti.
Quali igitur victu sapiens utetur ? et horum
Utrum imitabitur ? Hac urget lupus, hac canis, aiunt. -
Mundus erit, qui non onendat sordibus, atque
In neutram partem cultus miser. Hic neque servis, 65
Albuti senis exemplo, dum munia didit,
Soevus erit ; neque, sicut simplex Naevius, unctam
Convivis prsebebit aquam : vitium hoc quoque magnum.
Accipe nunc victus tenuis quse quantaque secum
Afferat. Imprimis valeas bene : nam, variae res 70
Ut noceant homini, credas, memor illius escae
156 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Quae simplex olim libi sederit. At simul assis
Miscueris elixa, simul conchylia turdis ;
Dulcia se in bilem vertent, stomachoque tumultum
Lenta feret pituita. Vides ut pallidus omnis 75
Ccena desurgat dubia ? Quin corpus onustum
Hesternis vitiis animum quoque praegravat una,
Atque affligit humo divinae particulam aurae.
Alter, ubi dicto citius curata sopori
Membra dedit, vegetus praescripta ad munia surgit. 80
Hic tamen ad melius poterit transcurrere quondam :
Sive diem festum rediens adduxerit annus ;
Seu recreare volet tenuatum corpus ; ubique
Accedent anni, et tractari mollius aetas
Imbecilla volet. Tibi quidnam accedet ad istam 85
Q,uam puer et validus praesumis mollitiem, seu
Dura valetudo inciderit, seu tarda senectus ?
Rancidum aprum antiqui laudabant: non quia nasus
Illis nullus erat, sed, credo, hac mente, quod hospes
Tardius adveniens vitiatum commodius, quam 90
Integrum edax dominus, consumeret. Hos utinam inter
Heroas natum tellus me prima tulisset !
Das aliquid famae, quae carmina gratior aurem
Occupat humanam ? Grandes rhombi patinaeque
Grande ferunt una cum damno dedecus : adde 95
Iratum patruum, vicinos, te tibi iniquum,
Et frustra mortis cupidum, quum deerit egenti
As, laquei pretium. " Jure," inquit, " Trausius istis
Jurgatur verbis : ego vectigalia magna
Divitiasque habeo tribus amplas regibus." Ergo, 100
Quod superat, non est melius qu^ insumere possis?
Cur eget indignus quisquam, te divite ? Quare
Templa ruunt antiqua deum ? Cur, improbe, carae
Non aliquid patriae tanto emetiris acervo ?
Uni nimirum tibi recte semper erunt res ? 105
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 157
O magnus posthac inimicis risus ! Uterne
Ad casus dubios fidet sibi certius ; hic qui
Pluribus assuerit mentem corpusque superbum ;
An qui, contentus parvo metuensque futuri,
In pace, ut sapiens, aptarit idonea bello 1 110
Qud magis his credas ; puer hunc ego parvus Ofellum
Integris opibus novi non latius usum,
Q,uam nunc accisis. Videas metato in agello
Cum pecore et gnatis fortem mercede colonum,
" Non ego," narrantem, " temere edi luce profesta 115
Quidquam, praeter olus, fumosae cum pede pernae.
Ac mihi seu longum post tempus venerat hospes,
Sive operum vacuo gratus conviva per imbrem
Vicinus, bene erat, non piscibus urbe petitis,
Sed pullo atque hcedo : tum pensilis uva secundas 120
Et nux ornabat mensas cum duplice ficu :
Post hoc ludus erat cuppa potare magistra ;
Ac venerata Ceres, ita culmo surgeret alto,
Explicuit vino contractae seria frontis.
Saeviat atque novos moveat Fortuna tumultus, 125
Quantum hinc imminuet? quanto aut egoparcius, aut
vos,
O pueri, nituistis, ut hoc novus incola venit 1
Nam propriae telluris herum natura neque illum,
Nec me, nec quenquam statuit : nos expulit ille ;
111 um aut nequities aut vafri inscitia juris, 130
Postremo expellet certe vivacior haeres.
Nunc ager Umbreni sub nomine, nuper Ofelli
Dictus, erit nulli proprius ; sed cedit in usum
Nunc mihi, nunc alii : quocirca vivite fortes,
Fortiaque adversis opponite pectora rebus." 135
14
158 Q- HORATII FLACCI
SATIRA III.
DAMASIPPUS.
Sic raro scribis, ut toto non quater anno
Membranam poscas, scriptorum quoeque retexens,
Iratus tibi quod vini somnique benignus
Nil dignum sermone canas. Quid fiet 1 ab ipsis
Saturnalibus huc fugisti ; sobrius ergo 5
Dic aliquid dignum promissis : incipe. Nil est.
Culpantur frustra calami, immeritusque laborat
Iratis natus paries dis atque poetis.
Atqui vultus erat multa et preeclara minantis,
Si vacuum tepido cepisset villula tecto. 10
Quorsum pertinuit stipare Platona Menandro ;
Eupolin, Archilochum, comites educere tantos 1
Invidiam placare paras virtute relicta 1
Contemnere miser : vitanda est improba Siren
Desidia ; aut, quidquid vita meliore parasti, 15
Ponendum aequo animo.
HORATIUS.
Di te, Damasippe, deaeque,
Verum ob consilium donent tonsore ! Sed unde
Tam bene me nosti 1
DAMASIFPUS.
Postquam omnis res mea Janum
Ad medium fracta est, aliena negotia curo,
Excussus propriis. Olim nam quaerere amabam 20
Ciuo vafer ille pedes lavisset Sisyphus sere,
Gluid sculptum infabre, quid fusum durius esset ;
Callidus huic signo ponebam millia centum ;
Hortos egregiasque domos mercarier unus
Cum lucro noram : unde frequentia Mercuriale 25
Imposuere mihi cognomen compita.
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 159
HORATIUS.
Novi :
Et morbi miror purgatum te illius.
DAMASIPPUS.
Atqui
Emovit veterem mire novus, ut solet, in cor
Trajecto lateris miseri capitisque dolore :
Ut lethargicus hic, quum fit pugil, et medicum urget. 30
HORATIUS.
Dum ne quid simile huic, esto ut libet.
DAMASIPPUS.
O bone, ne te
Frustrere ; insanis et tu, stultique prope omnes,
Si quid Stertinius veri crepat ; unde ego mira
Descripsi docilis proscepta hsec, tempore quo me
Solatus jussit sapientem pascere barbam, 35
Atque e Fabricio non tristem ponte reverti.
Nam male re gesta quum vellem mittere operto
Me capite in flumen, dexter stetit: et, " Cave faxis
Te quidquam indignum ; pudor," inquit, " te malus urget,
Insanos qui inter vereare insanus haberi. 40
Primum nam inquiram quid eit furere : hoc si erit in te
Solo, nil verbi, pereas quin fortiter, addam.
duem mala stultitia et quemcunque inscitia veri
Csecum agit, insanum Chrysippi porticus et grex
Autumat. Haec populos, haec magnos formula reges, 45
Excepto sapiente, tenet. Nunc accipe quare
Desipiant omnes eeque ac tu, qui tibi nomen
Insano posuere. Velut silvis, ubi passim
Palantes error certo de tramite pellit,
Ille sinistrorsum, hic dextrorsum abit ; unus utrique 50
Error, sed variis illudit partibus : hoc te
Crede modo insanum, nihilo ut sapientior ille
Qui te deridet caudam trahat. Est genus unum
160 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Stultitiae, nihilum metuenda timentis ; ut ignes,
Ut rupes, fluviosque in campo obstare queratur : 55
Alterum et huic varium, et nihilo sapientius, ignes
Per medios fluviosque ruentis. Clamet amica
Mater, honesta soror, cum cognatis, pater, uxor :
' Hic fossa est ingens ! hic rupes maxima ! serva ! '
Non magis audierit, quam Fusius ebrius olim, 60
Q,uum Uionam edormit, Catienis mille ducentis,
1 Mater, te appello,' clamantibus. Huic ego vulgum
Errori similem cunctum insanire docebo.
Insanit veteres statuas Damasippus emendo.
Integer est mentis Damasippi creditor ? Esto : 65
' Accipe quod nunquam reddas mihi,' si tibi dicam ;
Tune insanus eris si acceperis, an magis excors
Rejecta prseda quam praesens Mercurius fert ?
Scribe decem a Nerio : non est satis ; adde Cicuta?
Nodosi tabulas centum ; mille adde catenas : 70
EfFugiet tamen haec sceleratus vincula Proteus.
Quum rapies in jus malis ridentem alienis,
Fiet aper, modo avis, modo saxum, et, quum volet, arbor.
Si male rem gerere insani est ; contra bene, sani :
Putidius multo cerebrum est, mihi crede, Perilli, 75
Dictantis quod tu nunquam rescribere possis.
Audire, atque togam jubeo componere, quisquis
Ambitione mala aut argenti pallet amore,
Quisquis luxuria, tristive superstitione,
Aut alio mentis morbo calet ; huc propius me, 80
Dum doceo insanire omnes, vos ordine adite.
Danda est ellebori multo pars maxima avaris :
Nescio an Anticvram ratio illis destinet omnem.
Haeredes Staberi summam incidere sepulcro :
Ni sic fecissent, gladiatorum dare centum 85
Damnati populo paria, atque epulum arbitrio Arri,
Frumenti quantum metit Africa. ' Sive ego prave,
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 161
Seu recte, hoc volui, ne sis patruus mihi.' Credo
Hoc Staberi prudentem animumvidisse . . ." "Quidergo
Sensit, quum summam patrimoni insculpere saxo 90
Haeredes voluit ?" "Quoad vixit, credidit ingens
Pauperiem vitium, et cavit nihil acrius ; ut, si
Forte minus locuples uno quadrante perisset,
Ipse videretur sibi nequior : omnis enim res,
Virtus, fama, decus, divina humanaque, pulchris 95
Divitiis parent ; quas qui contraxerit, ille
Clarus erit, fortis, justus." " Sapiensne 1 " " Etiam ;
et rex,
Et quidquid volet. Hoc, veluti virtute paratum,
Speravit magnae laudi fore. Quid simile isti
Graecus Aristippus, qui servos projicere aurum 100
In media jussit Libya, quia tardius irent
Propter onus segnes ? uter est insanior horum 1 "
" Nil agit exemplum litem quod lite resolvit."
" Si quis emat citharas, emptas comportet in unum,
Nec studio citharae, nec Musa3 deditus ulli ; 105
Si scalpra et formas, non sutor ; nautica vela,
Aversus mercaturis ; delirus et amens
Undique dicatur merito. Q,ui discrepat istis,
Q,ui nummos aurumque recondit, nescius uti
Compositis, metuensque velut contingere sacrum 1 110
Si quis ad ingentem frumenti semper acervum
Porrectus vigilet cum longo fuste ; neque illinc
Audeat esuriens dominus contingere granum,
Ac potius foliis parcus vescatur amaris ;
Si, positis intus Chii veterisque Falerni 115
Mille cadis . . . nihil est . . . tercentum rnillibus, acre
Potet acetum ; age, si et stramentis incubet, unde-
octoginta annos natus, cui stragula vestis,
Blattarum ac tinearum epulae, putrescat in arca :
Nimirum insanus paucis videatur, eo quod 120
14*
152 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Maxima pars hominum morbo jactatur eodem.
Filius aut etiam haec libertus ut ebibat hseres,
Dis inimice senex custodis ? ne tibi desit 1
Cluantulum enim summae curtabit quisque dierum,
Ungere si caules oleo meliore, caputque 125
Coeperis impexa fcedum porrigine 1 Quare,
Si quidvis satis est, perjuras, surripis, aufers
Undique 1 tun' sanus ? Populum si caedere saxis
Incipias, servosque tuo quos aere pararis,
Insanum te omnes pueri clamentque puellae : 130
Q,uum laqueo uxorem interimis matremque veneno,
Incolumi capite es 1 Quid enim ? neque tu hoc facis
Argis,
Nec ferro, ut demens genitricem occidit Orestes.
An tu reris eum occisa insanisse parente 1
Ac non ante mal-is dementem actum Furiis, quam 135
In matris jugulo ferrum tepefecit acutum 1
Quin, ex quo est habitus male tutae mentis Orestes,
Nil sane fecit quod tu reprendere possis :
Non Pyladen ferro violare aususve sororem
Electram : tantum maledicit utrique, vocando 140
Hanc Furiam, hunc aliud, jussit quod splendida bilis.
Pauper Opimius argenti positi intus et auri,
Q,ui Veientanum festis potare diebus
Campana solitus trulla, vappamque profestis,
Quondam lethargo grandi est oppressus, ut haeres 145
Jam circum loculos et claves laetus ovansque
Curreret : hunc medicus multum celer atque fidelis
Excitat hoc pacto : mensam poni jubet, atque
Effundi saccos nummorum ; accedere plures
Ad numerandum : hominem sic erigit. Addit et illud : 150
{ Ni tua custodis, avidus jam haec auferet haeres.'
' Men' vivo V l\Jt vivas igitur, vigila : hoc age.'
1 Quid vis 1 '
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 163
1 Deficient inopem venas te, ni cibus atque
Ingens accedat stomacho fultura ruenti.
Tu cessas 1 agedum, sume hoc ptisanarium oryzae.' 155
'Quanti emptae?' ' Parvo.' 'Q,uanti ergo V 'Octussi-
bus.' ' Eheu !
Quid refert morbo an furtis pereamve rapinis ? ' "
" Quisnam igitur sanus 1 " " Qui non stultus." "Quid
avarus ? "
" Stultus et insanus." " Quid 1 si quis non sit avarus.
Continuosanus?" "Minime." " Cur, Stoice 1 " " Di-
cam. 160
' Non est cardiacus/ Craterum dixisse putato,
• Hic aeger.' « Recte est igitur, surgetque 1 ' Negabit,
Qu6d latus aut renes morbo tententur acuto.
Non est perjurus, neque sordidus ; immolet aequis
Hic porcum Laribus : verum ambitiosus et audax ; 165
Naviget Anticyram : quid enim differt, barathrone
Dones quidquid habes, an nunquam utare paratis ?
Servius Oppidius Canusi duo praedia, dives
Antiquo censu, gnatis divisse duobus
Fertur, et haec moriens pueris dixisse vocatis 170
Ad lectum : ' Postquam te talos, Aule, nucesque
Ferre sinu laxo, donare et ludere vidi ;
Te, Tiberi, numerare, cavis abscondere tristem ;
Extimui ne vos ageret vesania discors ;
Tu Nomentanum, tu ne sequerere Cicutam. 175
duare, per divos oratus uterque Penates,
Tu cave ne minuas, tu ne majus facias id
Q,uod satis esse putat pater, et natura coercet.
Praeterea, ne vos titillet gloria, jure-
jurando obstringam ambo : uter aedilis fueritve 180
Vestrum praetor, is intestabilis et sacer esto.
In cicere atque faba bona tu perdasque lupinis,
Latus ut in Circo spatiere, aut aeneus ut stes,
164 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Nudus agris, nudus nummis, insane, paternis 1
Scilicet ut plausus quos fert Agrippa feras tu, 185
Astuta ingenuum vulpes imitata leonem ? '
* Ne quis humasse velit Ajacem, Atrida, vetas cur ? '
1 Rex sum.' ' Nil ultra quaero plebeius.' ' Et aequam
Rem imperito : at, si cui videor non justus, inulto
Dicere quod sentit permitto.' ' Maxime regum, 190
Di tibi dent capta classem reducere Troja !
Ergo consulere, et mox respondere licebit ? '
1 Consule.' ' Cur Ajax, heros ab Achille secundus,
Putrescit, toties servatis clarus Achivis ?
Gaudeat ut populus Priami Priamusque inhumato, 195
Per quem tot juvenes patrio caruere sepulcro ? '
* Mille ovium insanus morti dedit, inclytum Ulyssem
Et Menelaum una mecum se occidere clamans.'
' Tu quum pro vitula statuis dulcern Aulide natam
Ante aras, spargisque mola caput, improbe, salsa, 200
Rectum animi servas 1 ' ' Quorsum 1 ' ' Insanus quid enim
Ajax
Fecit, quum stravit ferro pecus ? abstinuit vim
Uxore et gnato, mala multa precatus Atridis.
Non ille aut Teucrum aut ipsum violavit Ulyssem.'
' Verum ego, ut hserentes adverso littore naves 205
Eriperem, prudens placavi sanguine divos.'
' Nernpe tuo, furiose.' ' Meo, sed non furiosus.'
' dui species alias veris scelerisque tumultu
Permixtas capiet, coinmotus habebitur ; atque,
Stultitiane erret, nihilum distabit, an ira. 210
Ajax, quum immeritos occidit, desipit, agnos ?
Q,uum prudens scelus ob titulos admittis inanes,
Stas animo ? et purum est vitio tibi, quum tumidum est,
cor ?
Si quis lectica nitidam gestare amet agnam, 214
Huic vestem, ut gnatae, paret, ancillas paret, aurum ;
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 165
Rufam aut Rufillam appellet, fortique marito
Destinet uxorem ; interdicto huic omne adimat jus
Praetor, et ad sanos abeat tutela propinquos.
duid ! si quis gnatam pro muta devovet agna,
Integer est animi ? Ne dixeris. Ergo, ubi prava 220
Stultitia, hic est summa insania : qui sceleratus,
Et furiosus erit : quem cepit vitrea fama,
Hunc circumtonuit gaudens Bellona cruentis.'
Nunc age, luxuriam et Nomentanum arripe mecum.
Vincet enim stultos ratio insanire nepotes. 225
Hic simul accepit patrimoni mille talenta,
Edicit piscator uti, pomarius, auceps,
Unguentarius, ac Tusci turba impia vici,
Cum scurris fartor, cum Velabro omne macellum, 229
Mane domum veniant. Quid tum? Venere frequentes.
Verba facit leno : ' Quidquid mihi, quidquid et horum
Cuique domi est, id crede tuum ; et vel nunc pete, vel
cras.'
Accipe quid contra juvenis responderit sequus :
c In nive Lucana dormis ocreatus, ut aprum
Coenem ego ; tu pisces hiberno ex aequore vellis : 235
Segnis ego, indignus qui tantum possideam. Aufer :
Sume tibi decies ; tibi tantundem ; tibi triplex.'
Filius iEsopi detractam ex aure Metellae,
Scilicet ut decies solidum exsorberet, aceto
Diluit insignem baccam : qui sanior ac si 240
Illud idem in rapidum flumen jaceretve cloacam ?
duinti progenies Arri, par nobile fratrum,
Nequitia, et nugis, pravorum et amore gemellum,
Luscinias soliti impenso prandere coemptas.
Quorsum abeant 1 sani ut creta, an carbone notandi ? 245
^Edificare casas, plaustello adjungere mures,
Ludere par impar, equitare in arundine longa,
Si quem delectet barbatum, amentia verset.
156 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Si puerilius his ratio esse evincet amare ;
Nec quidquam differre, utrumne in pulvere, trimus 250
Q-uale prius, ludas opus, an meretricis amore
Sollicitus plores : qua?ro, faciasne quod olim
Mutatus Polemon ? ponas insignia morbi,
Fasciolas, cubital, focalia, potus ut ille
Dicitur ex collo furtim carpsisse coronas, 255
Postquam est impransi correptus voce magistri ?
Porrrigis irato puero quum poma, recusat :
' Sume, Catelle ; ' negat : si non des, optat. Amator
Exclusus qui distat, agit ubi secum, eat an non
Quo rediturus erat non arcessitus, et haeret 260
Invisis foribus ? ' Ne nunc, quum me vocat ultro,
Accedam ? an potius mediter finire dolores ?
Exclusit, revocat : redeam ? non, si obsecret.' Ecce
Servus, non paulo sapientior : ' O here, quae res 264
Nec modum habet, neque consilium, ratione modoque
Tractari non vult. In amore hsec sunt mala ; bellum,
Pax rursum : haec si quis, tempestatis prope ritu
Mobilia et caeca fluitantia sorte, laboret
Reddere certa sibi, nihilo plus explicet ac si
Insanire paret certa ratione modoque.' 270
Q,uid 1 quum, Picenis excerpens semina pomis,
Gaudes si cameram percusti forte, penes te es ?
Quid 1 quum balba feris annoso verba palato,
iEdificante casas qui sanior ? Adde cruorem 274
Stultitiae, atque ignem gladio scrutare. Modo, inquam,
Hellade percussa Marius quum praecipitat se,
Cerritus fuit ? an commotse crimine mentis
Absolves hominem, et sceleris damnabis eundem,
Ex more imponens cognata vocabula rebus ?
Libertinus erat, qui circum compita siccus 280
Lautis mane senex manibus currebat ; et, ' Unum,'
Quiddam rnagnum addens, l unum me surpite morti,
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 1 67
Dis etenim facile est,' orabat : sanus utrisque
Auribus atque oculis ; mentem, nisi litigiosus,
Exciperet dominus quum venderet. Hoc quoque vul-
gus - 285
Chrysippus ponit foecunda in gente Meneni.
{ Jupiter, ingentes qui das adimisque dolores,5
Mater ait pueri menses jam quinque cubantis,
1 Frigida si puerum quartana reliquerit, illo
Mane die quo tu indicis jejunia, nudus 290
In Tiberi stabit.' Casus medicusve levarit
Mgrum ex praecipiti, mater delira necabit
In gelida fixum ripa, febrimque reducet.
Quone malo mentem concussa 1 timore deorum."
Haec mihi Stertinius, sapientum octavus, amico 295
Arma dedit, posthac ne compellarer inultus.
Dixerit insanum qui me, totidem audiet ; atque
Respicere ignoto discet pendentia tergo.
HORATIUS.
Stoice, post damnum sic vendas omnia pluris :
Qua me stultitia, quoniam non est genus unum, 300
Insanire putas 1 ego nam videor mihi sanus.
DAMASIPPUS.
Quid 1 caput abscissum demens quum portat Agave
Gnati infelicis, sibi tum furiosa videtur 1
HORATIUS.
Stultum me fateor, liceat concedere veris, 304
Atque etiam insanum ; tantum hoc edissere, quo me
iEgrotare putes animi vitio.
DAMASIPPUS.
Accipe : primum
iEdificas, hoc est, longos imitaris, ab imo
Ad summum totus moduli bipedalis ; et idem
Corpore majorem rides Turbonis in armis
Spiritum et incessum : qui ridiculus minus illo 1 310
J65 Q- HORATII FLACCI
An, quodcunque facit Maecenas, te quoque verum est,
Tanto dissimilem et tanto certare minorem ?
Absentis ranse pullis vituli pede pressis,
Unus ubi effugit, matri denarrat ut ingens
Bellua cognatos eliserit. Illa rogare, 315
" Quantane 1 num tandem," se inrlans, " sic magna fuis-
set ? "
" Major dimidio." " Num tanto ? " Q,uum magis atque
Se magis inflaret ; " Non, si te ruperis," inquit,
" Par eris." Haec a te non multum abludit imago.
Adde poemata nunc, hoc est, oleum adde camino : 320
Quae si quis sanus fecit, sanus facis et tu.
Non dico horrendam rabiem . . .
HORATIUS.
Jam desine.
DAMASIPPUS.
Cultum
Majorem censu . . .
HORATIUS.
Teneas, Damasippe, tuis te.
O major tandem parcas insane minori.
SATIRA IV.
HORATIUS.
Unde, et quo Catius 1
CATIUS.
Non est mihi tempus aventi
Ponere signa novis praeceptis, qualia vincant
Pythagoram, Anytique reum, doctumque Platona.
HORATIUS.
Peccatum fateor, quum te sic tempore laevo
Interpellarim : sed, des veniam bonus, oro. 5
Q,udd si interciderit tibi nunc aliquid, repetes mox ;
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 169
Sive est naturae hoc, sive artis, mirus utroque.
CATIUS.
Quin id erat curae, quo pacto cuncta tenerem ;
Utpote res tenues, tenui sermone peractas.
HORATIUS.
Ede hominis nomen : simul et Romanus an hospes. 10
CATIUS.
Ipsa memor praecepta canam ; celabitur auctor.
Longa quibus facies ovis erit, illa memento,
Ut succi melioris et ut magis alma rotundis,
Ponere : namque marem cohibent callosa vitellum.
Caule suburbano, qui siccis crevit in agris, 15
Dulcior ; irriguo niliil est elutius horto.
Si vespertinus subito te oppresserit hospes,
Ne gallina malum responset dura palato,
Doctus eris vivam mixto mersare Falerno :
Hoc teneram faciet. Pratensibus optima fungis 20
Natura est; aliis male creditur. Ille salubres
^Estates peraget, qui nigris prandia moris
Finiet, ante gravem quae legerit arbore solem.
Aufidius forti miscebat mella Falerno;
Mendose, quoniam vacuis committere venis 25
Nil nisi lene decet : leni praecordia mulso
Prolueris melius. Si dura morabitur alvus,
Mytilus et viles pellent obstantia conchae,
Et lapathi brevis herba, sed albo non sine Coo.
Lubrica nascentes implent conchylia lunse. 30
Sed non omne mare est generosae fertile testae :
Murice Baiano rnelior Lucrina peloris ;
Ostrea Circeiis, Miseno oriuntur echini ;
Pectinibus patulis jactat se molle Tarentum.
Nec sibi coenarum quivis temere arroget artem, 35
Non prius exacta tenui ratione saporum.
Nec satis est cara pisces averrere mensa
15
170 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Ignarum quibus est jus aptius, et quibus assis
Languidus in cubitum jam se conviva reponet.
Umber, et iligna nutritus glande, rotundas 40
Curvet aper lances carnem vitantis inertem :
Nam Laurens malus est, ulvis et arundine pinguis.
Vinea submittit capreas non semper edules.
Fcecundae leporis sapiens sectabitur armos.
Piscibus atque avibus quae natura et foret aetas, 45
Ante meum nulli patuit quaesita palatum.
Sunt quorum ingenium nova tantum crustula promit.
Nequaquam satis in re una consumere curam :
Ut si quis solum hoc, mala ne sint vina, laboret,
Quali perfundat pisces securus olivo. 50
Massica si cGelo supponas vina sereno,
Nocturna, si quid crassi est, tenuabitur aura,
Et decedet odor~nervis inimicus; at illa
lntegrum perdunt lino vitiata saporem.
Surrentina vafer qui miscet faece Falerna 55
Vina, columbino limum bene colligit ovo ;
Quatenus ima petit volvens aliena vitellus.
Tostis marcentem squillis recreabis et Afra
Potorem cochlea ; nam lactuca innatat acri
Post vinum stomacho : perna magis ac magis hillis 60
Flagitat in morsus refici ; quin omnia malit,
Quaecunque immundis fervent illata popinis.
Est operae pretium duplicis pernoscere juris
Naturam: simplex e dulci constat olivo,
Q,uod pingui miscere mero muriaque decebit, 65
Non alia quam qua Byzantia putruit orca.
Hoc ubi confusum sectis inferbuit herbis,
Corycioque croco sparsum stetit, insuper addes
Pressa Venafranae quod bacca remisit olivae.
Picenis cedunt pomis Tiburtia succo ; 70
Nam facie praestant. Venucula convenit ollis ;
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 171
Rectius Albanam fumo duraveris uvam.
Hanc ego cum malis, ego fcecem primus et halec,
Primus et invenior piper album, cum sale nigro
Incretum, puris circumposuisse catillis. 75
Immane est vitium dare millia terna macello,
Angustoque vagos pisces urgere catino.
Magna movet stomacho fastidia, seu puer unctis
Tractavit calicem manibus, dum furta ligurrit ;
Sive gravis veteri craterae limus adhsesit. 80
Vilibus in scopis, in mappis, in scobe, quantus
Consistit sumptus 1 neglectis, flagitium ingens.
Ten' lapides varios lutulenta radere palma,
Et Tyrias dare circum illota toralia vestes,
Oblitum quanto curam sumptumque minorem 85
Haec habeant, tanto reprendi justius illis
Quse nisi divitibus nequeant contingere mensis 1
HORATIUS.
Docte Cati, per amicitiam divosque rogatus,
Ducere me auditum, perges quocunque, memento.
Nam, quamvis referas memori mihi pectore cuncta, 90
Non tamen interpres tantundem juveris : adde
Vultum habitumque hominis ; quem tu vidisse beatus
Non magni pendis, quia contigit : at mihi cura
Non mediocris inest, fontes ut adire remotos
Atque haurire queam vitae praecepta beatae. 95
SATIRA V.
TJLYSSES.
Hoc quoque, Tiresia, praeter narrata, petenti
Responde, quibus amissas reparare queam res
Artibus atque modis. Q,uid rides ?
172 Q- HORATII FLACCI
TIRESIAS.
Jamne doloso
Non satis est Ithacam revehi, patriosque Penates
Aspicere 1
TJLYSSES.
O nulli quidquam mentite, vides ut 5
Nudus inopsque domum redeam, te vate ; neque illic
Aut apotheca procis intacta est, aut pecus : atqui
Et genus, et virtus, nisi cum re, vilior alga est.
TIRESIAS.
Quando pauperiem, missis ambagibus, horres,
Accipe qua ratione queas ditescere. Turdus 10
Sive aliud privum dabitur tibi ; devolet illuc
Res ubi magna nitet, domino sene ; dulcia poma,
Et quoscunque feret cultus tibi fundus honores,
Ante Larem gusiet venerabilior Lare dives :
Q,ui quamvis perjurus erit, sine gente, cruentus 15
Sanguine fraterno, fugitivus ; ne tamen illi
Tu comes exterior, si postulet, ire recuses.
ULYSSES.
Utne tegam spurco Damee latus 1 haud ita Trojae
Me gessi, certans semper melioribus.
TIRESIAS.
Ergo
Pauper eris.
ULYSSES.
Fortem hoc animum tolerare jubebo : 20
Et quondam majora tuli. Tu protenus, unde
Divitias serisque ruam, dic, augur, acervos.
TIRESIAS.
Dixi equidem, et dico. Captes astutus ubique
Testamenta senum : neu, si vafer unus et alter
Insidiatorem preeroso fugeret hamo, 25
Aut spem deponas, aut artem illusus omittas.
Magna minorve foro si res certabitur olim,
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 173
Vivet uter locuples sine gnatis, improbus ultro
Q,ui meliorem audax vocet in jus ; illius esto
Defensor : fama civem causaque priorem 30
Sperne, domi si gnatus erit foecundave conjux.
"Quinte," puta, aut " Publi," (gaudent praenomine molles
Auriculae,) " tibi me virtus tua fecit amicum :
Jus anceps novi, causas defendere possum :
Eripiet quivis oculos citius mihi, quam te 35
Contemptum cassa nuce pauperet : hsec mea cura est,
Ne quid tu perdas, neu sis jocus." Ire domum atque
Pelliculam curare jube : fi cognitor ipse.
Persta atque obdura, seu rubra Canicula findet
Infantes statuas, seu pingui tentus omaso 40
Furius hibernas cana nive conspuet Alpes.
"Nonne vides," aliquis cubito stantem prope tangens
Inquiet, " ut patiens ! ut amicis aptus ! ut acer ! "
Plures annabunt thunni, et cetaria crescent.
Si cui praeterea validus male filius in re 45
Praeclara sublatus aletur ; ne manifestum
Caelibis obsequium nudet te, leniter in spem
Arrepe officiosus, ut et scribare secundus
Haeres, et, si quis casus puerum egerit Orco,
In vacuum venias : perraro haec alea fallit. 50
Qui testamentum tradet tibi cunque legendum,
Abnuere et tabulas a te removere memento :
Sic tamen ut limis rapias quid prima secundo
Cera velit versu ; solus multisne cohaeres,
Veloci percurre oculo. Plerumque recoctus 55
Scriba ex Quinqueviro corvum deludet hiantem,
Captatorque dabit risus Nasica Corano.
ULYSSES.
Num furis ? an prudens ludis me obscura canendo 1
15*
174 Q- HORATII FLACCI
TIRESIAS.
O Laertiade, quidquid dicam, aut erit, aut non :
Divinare etenim magnus mihi donat Apollo. 60
TJXYSSES.
Quid tamen ista velit sibi fabula, si licet, ede.
TIRESIAS.
Tempore quo juvenis Parthis horrendus, ab alto
Demissum genus ^Enea, tellure marique
Magnus erit, forti nubet procera Corano
Filia Nasicae, metuentis reddere soldum, 65
Tum gener hoc faciet ; tabulas socero dabit, atque
Ut legat orabit : multum Nasica negatas
Accipiet tandem et tacitus leget ; invenietque
Nil sibi legatum, prseter plorare, suisque.
Illud ad haec jubeo : mulicr si forte dolosa 70
Libertusve senem deiirum temperet, illis
Accedas socius ; laudes, lauderis ut absens.
Me sene, quod dicam, factum est : Anus improba Thebis
Ex testamento sic est elata : cadaver
Unctum oleo largo nudis humeris tulit hseres ; 75
Scilicet elabi si posset mortua, credo,
Quod nimidm institerat viventi. Cautus adito :
Neu desis operae, neve immoderatus abundes.
Difficilem et morosum offendet garrulus : ultra
Non etiam sileas. Davus sis comicus, atque 80
Stes capite obstipo, multum similis metuenti.
Obsequio grassare : mone, si increbuit aura,
Cautus uti velet carum caput : extrahe turba,
Oppositis humeris : aurem substringe loquaci.
Importunus amat laudari I donec, " Ohe ! jam ! " 85
Ad ccelum manibus sublatis, dixerit, urge ; et
Crescentem tumidis infla sermonibus utrem.
Q,uum te servitio longo curaque levarit ;
Et certum vigilans, " Q,uarta3 esto partis Ulysses,'
»>
SATIRARUM LIB. II. I75
Audieris, " haeres " : " Ergo nunc Dama sodalis 90
Nusquam est ! unde mihi tam fortem tamque fidelem 1 "
Sparge subinde : et, si paulum potes, illacrymare. Est
Gaudia prodentem vultum celare. Sepulcrum,
Permissum arbitrio, sine sordibus exstrue : funus
Egregie factum laudet vicinia. Si quis 95
Forte cohaeredum senior male tussiet, huic tu
Dic, ex parte tua, seu fundi sive domus sit
Emptor, gaudentem nummo te addicere. Sed me
Imperiosa trahit Proserpina : vive, valeque.
SATIRA VI.
Hoc erat in votis : modus agri non ita magnus,
Hortus ubi, et tecto vicinus jugis aquse fons,
Et paulum silvae super his foret. Auctius atque
Di melius fecere : bene est. Nihil amplius oro,
Maia nate, nisi ut propria haec mihi munera faxis. 5
Si neque majorem feci ratione mala rem,
Nec sum facturus vitio culpave minorem ;
Si veneror stultus nihil horum, " O si angulus ille
Proximus accedat, qui nunc denormat agellum !
O si urnam argenti fors quae mihi monstret ! ut illi, 10
Thesauro invento, qui mercenarius agrum
Illum ipsum mercatus aravit, dives amico
Hercule ; " si quod adest gratum juvat : hac prece te oro,
Pingue pecus domino facias, et caetera, praeter
Ingenium ; utque soles, custos mihi maximus adsis. 15
Ergo, ubi me in montes et in arcem ex urbe removi,
Quid prius illustrem satiris, Musaque pedestri ?
Nec mala me ambitio perdit, nec plumbeus Auster,
176 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Autumnusque gravis, Libitinae quaestus acerbae.
Matutine pater, seu Jane libentius audis, 20
Unde homines operum primos vitaeque labores
Instituunt, sic dis placitum, tu carminis esto
Principium. Romae sponsorem me rapis. " Eia !
Ne prior ofFicio quisquam respondeat, urge."
Sive Aquilo radit terras, seu bruma nivalem 25
Interiore diem gyro trahit, ire necesse est.
Postmodo, quod mi obsit, clare certumque locuto,
Luctandum in turba ; facienda injuria tardis.
" Q,uid vis, insane ? et quas res agis 1 " improbus urget
Iratis precibus ; " tu pulses omne quod obstat, 30
Ad Maecenatem memori si mente recurras."
Hoc juvat et melli est, non mentiar. At, simul atras
Ventum est Esquilias, aliena negotia centum
Per caput et circa saliunt latus. " Ante secundam
Roscius orabat sibi adesses ad Puteal cras." 35
" De re communi scribae magna. atque nova te
Orabant hodie meminisses, Quinte, reverti."
" Imprimat his, cura, Maecenas signa tabellis."
Dixeris, " Experiar " : " Si vis, potes," addit et instat.
Septimus octavo propior jam fugerit annus, 40
Ex quo Maecenas me coepit habere suorum
In numero, duntaxat ad hoc, quem tollere rheda
Vellet, iter faciens, et cui concredere nugas
Hoc genus : " Hora quota est ? Thrax est Gallina Syro
par?
Matutina parum cautos jam frigora mordent : " 45
Et quae rimosa bene deponuntur in aure.
Per totum hoc tempus subjectior in diem et horam
Invidiae. " Noster ludos spectaverat una ;
Luserat in campo ; Fortunae filius ; " omnes.
Frigidus a Rostris manat per compita rumor : 50
Quicunque obvius est me consulit : " O bone, nam te
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 177
Scire, deos quoniam propius contingis, oportet :
Num quid de Dacis audisti 1 " " Nil equidem." " Ut tu
Semper eris derisor ! " " At omnes di exagitent me,
Si quidquam." "Quid? militibus promissa Triquetra
Praedia Caesar, an est Itala tellure daturus ? " 56
Jurantem me scire nihil mirantur, ut unum
Scilicet egregii mortalem altique silenti.
Perditur haec inter misero lux, non sine votis :
O rus, quando ego te aspiciam ? quandoque licebit, 60
Nunc veterum libris, nunc somno et inertibus horis,
Ducere sollicitae jucunda oblivia vitae ?
O quando faba, Pythagorae cognata, simulque
Uncta satis pingui ponentur oluscula lardo ?
O noctes coenaeque deum, quibus ipse meique 65
Ante Larem proprium vescor, vernasque prOcaces
Pasco libatis dapibus ! Prout cuique libido est,
Siccat inaequales calices conviva, solutus
Legibus insanis : seu quis capit acria fortis
Pocula, seu modicis uveseit Icetius. Ergo 70
Sermo oritur, non de villis domibusve alienis,
Nec male necne Lepos saltet : sed, quod magis ad nos
Pertinet et nescire malum est, agitamus ; utrumne
Divitiis homines, an sint virtute beati :
Quidve ad amicitias, usus rectumne, trahat nos; 75
Et, quae sit natura boni ; summumque quid ejus.
, .£) Cervius haec inter vicinus garrit aniles
Ex re fabellas. Nam si quisJaudat Arelli
Sollicitas ignarus opes, sic incipit : "Olim
Rusticus urbanum murem mus paupere fertur 80
Accepisse cavo, veterem vetus hospes amicum ;
Asper et attentus quaesftts, ut tamen arctum
Solveret hospitiis animum. Q,uid multa ? neque ille
Sepositi ciceris, nec longae invidit avenae :
Aridum et ore ferens acinum, semesaque lardi 85
■1;
178 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Frusta dedit, cupiens varia fastidia ccena
Vincere tangentis male singula dente superbo :
Q,uum pater ipse domus palea porrectus in horna
Esset ador loliumque, dapis meliora relinquens.
Tandem urbanus ad hunc, 'Quid te juvat,' inquit,
1 amice, 90
Praerupti nemoris patientem vivere dorso ?
Vis tu homines urbemque feris praeponere silvis 1
Carpe viam, mihi crede, comes, terrestria quando
Mortales animas vivunt sortita, neque ulla est
Aut magno aut parvo leti fuga : quo, bone, circa, 95
Dum licet, in rebus jucundis vive beatus ;
Vive memor quam sis aevi brevis.' Haec ubi dicta
Agrestem pepulere, domo levis exsilit : inde
Ambo propositum peragunt iter, urbis aventes
Mcenia nocturril subrepere. Jamque tenebat 100
Nox medium coeli spatium, quum ponit uterque
In locuplete domo vestigia ; rubro ubi cocco
Tincta super lectos canderet vestis eburnos,
Multaque de magna superessent fercula coana,
duae procul exstructis inerant hesterna canistris. 105
Ergo ubi purpurea porrectum in veste locavit
Agrestem, veluti succinctus cursitat hospes,
Continuatque dapes ; nec non vernaliter ipsis
Fungitur officiis, praelambens omne quod adfert.
Ille cubans gaudet mutata sorte, bonisque 110
Rebus agit laetum convivam ; quum subito ingens
Valvarum strepitus lectis excussit utrumque.
Currere per totum pavidi conclave ; magisque
Exanimes trepidare, simul domus alta Molossis 114
Personuit canibus. Tum rusticus, ' Haud mihi vita
Est opus hac, ait ; et valeas : me silva cavusque
Tutus ab insidiis tenui solabitur ervo.' "
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 179
SATIRA VII.
DAVUS.
Jamdudum ausculto ; et, cupiens tibi dicere servus
Pauca, reformido.
HORATIUS.
i
Davusne 1
DAVUS.
Ita, Davus, amicum
Mancipium domino, et frugi, quod sit satis, hoc est,
Ut vitale putes.
HORATIUS.
Age, libertate Decembri,
duando ita majores voluerunt, utere ; narra. 5
DAVUS.
Pars hominum vitiis gaudet constanter, et urget
Propositum : pars multa natat, modo recta capessens,
Interdum pravis obnoxia. Ssepe notatus
Cum tribus annellis, modo laeva Priscus inani,
Vixit insequalis, clavum ut mutaret in horas ; 10
^Edibus ex magnis subito se conderet, unde
Mundior exiret vix libertinus honeste.
Jam moschus Romse, jam mallet doctor Athenis
Vivere, Vertumnis, quotquot sunt, natus iniquis.
Scurra Volanerius, postquam illi justa chiragra 15
Contudit articulos, qui pro se tolleret atque
Mitteret in phimum talos, mercede diurna
Conductum pavit : quanto constantior idem
In vitiis, tanto levius miser, ac prior illo
Qui jam contento, jam laxo, fune laborat. 20
HORATIUS.
Non dices hodie quorsum haec tam putida tendant,
Furcifer 1
DAVUS.
Ad te, inquam.
180 Q- HORATIl FLACCI
HORATIUS.
Quo pacto, pessime 1
DAVUS.
Laudas
Fortunam et mores antiquae plebis ; et idem,
Si quis ad illa deus subito te agat, usque recuses ;
Aut quia non sentis, quod clamas, rectius esse, 25
Aut quia non firmus rectum defendis, et haeres,
Nequidquam cceno cupiens evellere plantam.
Romse rus optas ; absentem rusticus urbem
Tollis ad astra levis. Si nusquam es forte vocatus
Ad ccenam, laudas securum olus : ac, velut usquam 30
Vinctus eas, ita te felicem dicis, amasque,
Cluod nusquam tibi sit potandum. Jusserit ad se
Mascenas serum sub lumina prima venire
Convivam ; " Nemon' oleum feret ocius ? ecquis
Audit 1 " cum magno blateras clamore, furisque. 35
Milvius et scurrae, tibi non referenda precati,
Discedunt. Etenim fateor mc, dixerit ille,
Duci ventre levem ; nasum nidore supinor ;
Imbecillus, iners, si quid vis, adde, popino.
Tu, quum sis quod ego, et fortassis nequior, ultro 40
Insectere, velut melior 1 verbisque decoris
Obvolvas vitium 1 Quid, si me stultior ipso,
Quingentis empto drachmis, deprenderis 1 Aufer
Me vultu terrere ; manum stomachumque teneto,
Dum, quse Crispini docuit me janitor, edo. 45
« Non sum moBchus," ais. Neque ego, hercule, fur, ubi
vasa
PraDtereo sapiens argentea. Tolle periclum,
Jam vaga prosiliet freenis natura remotis.
Tune mihi dominus, rerum imperiis hominumque
Tot tantisque minor, quem ter vindicta quaterque 50
Imposita haud unquam misera formidine privet 1
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 181
Adde super, dictis quod non Ievius valeat : nam
Sive vicarius est, qui servo paret, uti mos
Vester ait, seu consorvus ; tibi qurd sum ego ? Nempe
Tu, mihi qui imperitas, aliis servis miser, atque 55
Duceris ut nervis alienis mobile lignum.
Quisnam igitur liber ? Sapiens, sibi qui imperiosus ;
duem neque pauperies, neque mors, neque vincula ter-
rent;
Responsare cupidinibus, contemnere honores
Fortis, et in seipso totus, teres atque rotundus, 60
Externi ne quid valeat per leve morari ;
In quem manca ruit semper Fortuna. Potesne
Ex his ut proprium quid noscere 1 Quinque talenta
Poscit te mulier, vexat, foribusque repulsum
Perfundit gelida : rursus vocat. Eripe turpi 65
Colla jugo : " Liber, liber sum," dic age. Non quis ;
Urget enim dominus mentem non lenis, et acres
Subjectat lasso stimulos, versatque negantem.
Vel, quum Pausiaca torpes, insane, tabella,
Q,ui peccas minus atque ego, quum Fulvi Rutubasque,
Aut Placideiani contento poplite miror 71
Prcelia, rubrica picta aut carbone ; velut si
Re vera pugnent, feriant vitentque moventes
Arma viri ? Nequam et cessator Davus ; at ipse
Subtilis veterum judex et callidus audis. 75
Nil e£0, si ducor libo fumante : tibi inorens
Virtus atque animus ccenis responsat opimis.
Obsequium ventris mihi perniciosius est : cur ?
Tergo plector enim. Qui tu impunitior illa,
Quae parvo sumi nequeunt, quum obsonia captas ? 80
Nempe inamarescunt epulae sine fine petitae,
Ulusique pedes vitiosum ferre recusant
Corpus. An hic peccat, sub noctem qui puer uvam
Furtivam mutat strigili ? qui praedia vendit,
16
182 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Nil servile, gulae parens, habet ? Adde, quod idem 85
Non horam tecum esse potes ; non otia recte
Ponere ; teque ipsum vitas, fugitivus ut erro,
Jam vino quaerens, jam somno, fallere curam :
Frustra ; nam comes atra premit sequiturque fugacem.
HORATIUS.
Unde mihi lapidem ?
DAVUS.
Quorsum est opus ?
HORATIUS.
Unde sagittas ?
DAVUS.
Aut insanit homo, aut versus facit.
HORATIUS.
Ocius hinc te 91
Ni rapis, accedes opera agro nona Sabino.
SATIRA VIII.
HORATIUS.
Ut te Nasidieni juvit coena beati !
Nam mihi, quaerenti convivam, dictus here illic
De medio potare die.
FUNDANIUS.
Sic, ut mihi nunquam
In vita fuerit melius.
HORATIUS.
Da, si grave non est
Q,uae prima iratum ventrem placaverit esca. 5
FUNDANIUS.
In primis Lucanus aper : leni fuit Austro
Captus, ut aiebat coenae pater. Acria circum
Rapula, lactucae, radices, qualia lassum
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 183
Pervellunt stomachum ; siser, halec, fsecula Coa.
His ubi sublatis puer alte cinctus acernam 10
Gausape purpureo mensam pertersit, et alter
Sublegit quodcunque jaceret inutile, quodque
Posset coenantes offendere ; ut Attica virgo
Cum sacris Cereris, procedit fuscus Hydaspes,
Caecuba vina ferens ; Alcon, Chium maris expers. 15
Hic herus : " Albanum, Msecenas, sive Falernum
Te magis appositis delectat, habemus utrumque."
HORATIUS.
Divitias miseras ! Sed queis coenantibus una,
Fundani, pulchre fuerit tibi, nosse laboro.
FUNDANIUS.
Summus ego ; et prope me Viscus Thurinus ; et infra, 20
Si memini, Varius : cum Servilio Balatrone
Vibidius, quos Maecenas adduxerat umbras.
Nomentanus erat super ipsum, Porcius infra,
Ridiculus totas simul obsorbere placentas.
Nomentanus ad hoc, qui, si quid forte lateret, 25
Indice monstraret digito : nam csetera turba,
Nos, inquam, coenamus aves, conchylia, pisces,
Longe dissimilem noto celantia succum ;
Ut vel continuo patuit, quum passeris atque
Ingustata mihi porrexerat ilia rhombi. 30
Post hoc me docuit melimela rubere minorem
Ad lunam delecta. Quid hoc intersit, ab ipso
Audieris melius. Tum Vibidius Balatroni :
" Nos, nisi damnose bibimus, moriemur inulti."
Et calices poscit majores. Vertere pallor 35
Tum parochi faciem, nil sic metuentis ut acres
Potores ; vel quod maledicunt liberius, vel
Fervida quod subtile exsurdant vina palatum.
Invertunt Alliphanis vinaria tota
Vibidius Balatroque, sequutis omnibus : imi 40
]84 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Convivae lecti nihilum nocuere lagenis.
Affertur squillas inter murasna natantes
In patina porrecta. Sub hoc herus, " Haec gravida,"
inquit,
" Capta est, deterior post partum carne futura.
His mixtum jus est oleo quod prima Venafri 45
Pressit cella ; garo de succis piscis Iberi ;
Vino quinquenni, verum citra mare nato,
Dum coquitur, cocto Chium sic convenit ut non
Hoc magis nllum aliud ; pipere albo, non sine aceto
Quod Methymnseam vitio mutaverit uvam. 50
Erucas virides, inulas ego primus amaras
Monstravi incoquere ; illutos Curtillus echinos,
Ut melius, muria quam testa marina remittit."
Interea suspensa graves aulsea ruinas
In patinam fecefe, trahentia pulveris atri 55
Quantum non Aquilo Campanis excitat agris.
Nos majus veriti, postquam nihil esse pericli
Sensimus, erigimur. Rufus posito capite, ut si
Filius immaturus obisset, flere. Quis esset
Finis, ni sapiens sic Nomentanus amicum 60
Tolleret ? " Heu Fortuna ! quis est crudelior in nos
Te deus ? ut semper gaudes illudere rebus
Humanis ! " Varius mappa compescere risum
Vix poterat. Balatro, suspendens omnia naso,
" Ha3C est conditio vivendi," aiebat ; " eoque 65
Responsura tuo nunquam est par fama labori.
Tene, ut ego accipiar laute, torquerier omni
Sollicitudine districtum ? ne panis adustus,
Ne male conditum jus apponatur 1 ut omnes
Pra^cincti recte pueri comptique ministrent ? 70
Adde hos prseterea casus : aulaea ruant si,
Ut modo ; si patinam pede lapsus frangat agaso.
Sed convivatoris, uti ducis, ingenium res
SATIRARUM LIB. II. 185
Adversse nudare solent, celare secundae."
Nasidienus ad hsec : " Tibi di, qusecunque preceris, 75
Commoda dent ; ita vir bonus es convivaque comis."
Et soleas poscit. Tum in lecto quoque videres
Stridere secreta divisos aure susurros.
HORATIUS.
Nullos his mallem ludos spectasse : sed illa
Redde, age, quae deinceps risisti.
FUNDANIUS.
Vibidius dum 80
Quaerit de pueris num sit quoque fracta lagena,
Q,uud sibi poscenti non dentur pocula ; dumque
Ridetur fictis rerum, Balatrone secundo ;
Nasidiene, redis mutatae frontis, ut arte
Emendaturus fortunam ; deinde sequuti 85
Mazonomo pueri magno discerpta ferentes
Membra gruis, sparsi sale multo, non sine farre,
Pinguibus et ficis pastum jecur anseris albi ;
Et leporum avulsos, ut muito suavius, armos,
Quam si cum lumbis quis edit : tum pectore adusto 90
Vidimus et merulas poni, et sine clune palumbes.
Suaves res, si non causas narraret earum et
Naturas dominus : quem nos sic fugimus ulti,
Ut nihil omnino gustaremus, velut illis
Canidia afflasset, pejor serpentibus Afris. 95
16
*
Q. HORATII FLACCI
EPISTOLARUM
LIBER PRIMUS.
EPISTOLA I.
♦
AD M^CENATEM.
Prima dicte mihi, summa dicende Camama,
Spectatum satis, et donatum jam rude, quseris,
Msecenas, iteruin antiquo me includere ludo.
Non eadem est aetas, non mens. Vejanius, armis
Herculis ad postem fixis, latet abditus agro, 5
Ne populum extrema toties exoret arena.
Est mihi purgatam crebro qui personet aurem :
" Solve senescentem mature sanus equum, ne
Peccet ad extremum ridendus, et ilia ducat."
Nunc itaque et versus et caetera ludicrapono : 10
Quid verum atque decens curo et rogo, et omnis in hoc
sum :
Condo et compono quse mox depromere possim.
Ac, ne forte roges quo me duce, quo lare tuter :
Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri,
Q,uo me cunque rapit tempestas, deferor hospes. 15
Nunc agilis fio, et mersor civilibus undis,
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 187
Virtutis verae custos, rigidusque satelles :
Nunc in Aristippi furtim preecepta relabor,
Et mihi res, non me rebus submittere conor.
Ut nox longa quibus somni pars nulla, diesque . 20
Longa videtur opus debentibus ; ut piger annus
Pupillis quos dura premit custodia matrum :
Sic mihi tarda fluunt ingrataque tempora, quae spem
Consiliumque morantur agendi gnaviter id quod
yEque pauperibus prodest, locupletibus aeque, 25
^Eque neglectum pueris senibusque nocebit.
Restat ut his ego me ipse regam solerque elementis :
Non possis oculo quantiim contendere Lynceus,
Non tamen idcirco contemnas lippus inungi ;
Nec; quia desperes invicti membra Glyconis, 30
Nodosa corpus nolis prohibere cheragra.
Est quadam prodire tenus, si non datur ultra.
Fervet avaritia miseroque cupidine pectus ?
Sunt verba et voces qnibus hunc lenire dolorem
Possis, et magnam morbi deponere partem. 35
Laudis amore tumes ? sunt certa piacula quse te
Ter pure lecto poterunt recreare libello.
Invidus, iracundus, iners, vinosus, amator,
Nemo adeo ferus est ut non mitescere possit,
Si modo culturse patientem commodet aurem. 40
Virtus est vitium fugere ; et sapientia prima
Stultitia caruisse. Vides, quse maxima credis
Esse mala, exiguum censum, turpemque repulsam,
Q,uanto devites animo capitisque labore :
Impiger extremos curris mercator ad Indos, 45
Per mare pauperiem fugiens, per saxa, per ignes :
Ne cures ea quae stulte miraris et optas,
Discere et audire, et meliori credere non vis ?
duis circum pagos et circum compita pugnax
Magna coronari contemnat Olympia, cui spes, £0
18& Q. HORATII FLACCI
Cui sit conditio dulcis sine pulvere palmae ?
Vilius argentum est auro, virtutibus aurum.
" O cives, cives, quaerenda pecunia primum est,
Virtus post nummos." Hsec Janus summus ab imo
Prodocet : haec recinunt juvenes dictata senesque, 55
Lsevo suspensi loculos tabulamque lacerto.
Si quadringentis sex septem millia desunt,
Est animus tibi, sunt mores, et lingua, fidesque ;
Plebs eris. At pueri ludentes, " Rex eris," aiunt,
" Si recte facies." Hic murus aeneus esto, 60
Nil conscire sibi, nulla pallescere culpa.
Roscia, dic sodes, melior lex, an puerorum est
Nsenia, quse regnum recte facientibus offert,
Et maribus Curiis et decantata Camillis ?
Isne tibi melius suadet, qui, rem facias ; rem, 65
Si possis, recte-; si non, quocunque modo rem ;
Ut propius spectes lacrymosa poemata Pupi :
An qui fortunae te responsare superbae
Liberum et erectum praesens hortatur et aptat ?
Q,uod si me populus Romanus forte roget cur 70
Non, ut porticibus, sic judiciis fruar isdem,
Nec sequar aut fugiam quae deligit ipse vel odit :
Olim quod vulpes a3groto cauta leoni
Respondit, referam : " Q,uia me vestigia terrent,
Omnia te adversum spectantia, nulla retrorsum." 75
Bellua multorum es capitum : nam quid sequar ? aut
quem ?
Pars hominum gestit conducere publica : sunt qui
Crustis et pomis viduas venentur avaras,
Excipiantque senes quos in vivaria mittant :
Multis occulto crescit res fcenore. Verum 80
Esto, aliis alios rebus studiisque teneri ;
Iidem eadem possunt horam durare probantes ?
" Nullus in orbe sinus Baiis prselucet amcenis,"
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 189
Si dixit dives, lacus et mare sentit amorem
Festinantis heri ; cui si vitiosa libido 85
Fecerit auspicium, cras ferramenta Theanum
Tolletis, fabri. Lectus genialis in aula est 1
Nil ait esse prius, melius nil ccelibe vita ;
Si non est, jurat bene solis esse maritis.
Q,uo teneam vultus mutantem Protea nodo ? 90
Q,uid pauper 1 ride : mutat coenacula, lectos,
Balnea, tonsores ; conducto navigio asque
Nauseat ac locuples quem ducit priva triremis.
Si curtatus inaequali tonsore capillos
Occurri, rides : si forte subucula pexae 95
Trita subest tunicae, vel si toga dissidet impar,
Rides. Quid, mea quum pugnat sententia secum ;
duod petiit, spernit ; repetit quod nuper omisit ;
iEstuat, et vitae disconvenit ordine toto ;
Diruit, asdificat, mutat quadrata rotundis ? 100
Insanire putas solemnia me, rieque rides,
Nec medici credis, nec curatoris egere
A prsetore dati, rerum tutela mearum
Quum sis, et prave sectum stomacheris ob unguem
De te pendentis, te respicientis amici. 105
Ad summam, sapiens uno minor est Jove ; dives,
Liber, honoratus, pulcher, rex denique regum :
Praecipue sanus, nisi quum pituita molesta est.
190 Q. HORATII FLACCI
EPISTOLA II.
AD LOLLIUM.
Trojani belli scriptorem, maxime Lolli,
Dum tu declamas Romae, Praeneste relegi ;
Q,ui, quid sit pulchrum, quid turpe, quid utile, quid non,
Planius ac melius Chrysippo et Crantore dicit.
Cur ita crediderim, nisi quid te detinet, audi. 5
Fabula, qua Paridis propter narratur amorem
Graecia barbariae lento collisa duello,
Stultorum regum et populorum continet aestus.
Antenor censet belli praecidere causam.
Quid Paris ? ut salvus regnet vivatque beatus, 30
Cogi posse negat. Nestor componere lites
Inter Peliden festinat et inter Atriden :
Hunc amor, ira quidem communiter urit utrumque.
Quidquid delirant reges, plecturitur Achivi.
Seditione, dolis, scelere, atque libidine et ira, 15
Iliacos intra muros peccatur et extra.
Rursus, quid virtus et quid sapientia possit,
Utile proposuit nobis exemplar Ulyssem ;
Qui, domitor Trojae, multorum providus urbes *
Et mores hominum inspexit ; latumque per aequor, 20
Dum sibi, dum sociis reditum parat, aspera multa
Pertulit, adversis rerum immersabilis undis.
Sirenum voces et Circae pocula nosti ;
Quae si cum sociis stultus cupidusque bibisset,
Sub domina meretrice fuisset turpis et excors, 25
Vixisset canis immundus, vel amica luto sus.
Nos numerus sumus, et fruges consumere nati,
Sponsi Penelopae, nebulones, AlcinoVque
In cute curanda plus aequo operata juventus ;
Cui pulchrum fuit in medios dormire dies, et 30
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 191
Ad strepitum citharae cessatum ducere curam.
Ut jugulent hominem, surgunt de nocte latrones :
Ut teipsum serves, non expergisceris ? Atqui
Si noles sanus, curres hydropicus : et, ni
Posces ante diem librum cum lumine, si non 35
Intendes animum studiis et rebus honestis ; ,
Invidia vel amore vigil torquebere. Nam cur,
Quae laedunt oculum, festinas demere ; si quid
Est animum, differs curandi tempus in annum 1
Dimidium facti, qui ccepit, habet : sapere aude ; 40
Incipe : qui recte vivendi prorogat horam,
Rusticus exspectat dum defluat amnis ; at ille
Labitur, et labetur in omne volubilis aevum.
Quaeritur argentum, puerisque beata creandis
Uxor, et incultae pacantur vomere silvae. 45
Quod satis est cui contigit, hic nihil amplius optet.
Non domus et fundus, non aeris acervus et auri
^Egroto domini deduxit corpore febres,
Non animo curas. Valeat possessor oportet,
Si comportatis rebus bene cogitat uti. 50
Qui cupit aut metuit, juvat illum sic domus et res,
Ut lippum pictae tabulae, fomenta podagram,
Auriculas citharae collecta sorde dolentes.
Sincerum est nisi vas, quodcunque infundis acescit.
Sperne voluptates : nocet empta dolore voluptas. 55
Semper avarus eget ; certum voto pete finem.
Invidus alterius macrescit rebus opimis :
Invidia Siculi non invenere tyranni
Majus tormentum. Qui non moderabitur irae,
Infectum volet esse, dolor quod suaserit et mens, 60
Dum pcenas odio per vim festinat inulto.
Ira furor brevis est : animum rege, qui, nisi paret,
Imperat : hunc fraenis, hunc tu compesce catena.
Fingit equum tenera docilem cervice magister
192 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Ire viam qua monstret eques. Venaticus, ex quo 65
Tempore cervinam pellem latravit in aula,
Militat in silvis catulus. Nunc adhibe puro
Pectore verba, puer ; nunc te melioribus offer.
Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem
Testa diu. Quod si cessas, aut strenuus anteis, 70
Nec tardum opperior, nec prascedentibus insto.
EPISTOLA III.
AD JULIUM FLORUM.
Juli Flore, quibus terrarum militet oris
Claudius AugUsti privignus, scire laboro.
Thracane vos, Hebrusque nivali compede vinctus,
An freta vicinas inter currentia turres,
An pingues Asiae campi collesque morantur ? 5
Quid studiosa cohors operum struit ? Haec quoque curo :
Quis sibi res gestas Augusti scribere sumit ?
Bella quis et paces longum diffundit in aevum ?
Quid Titius, Romana brevi venturus in ora,
Pindarici fontis qui non expalluit haustus, 10
Fastidire lacus et rivos ausus apertos ?
Ut valet ? ut meminit nostri ? fidibusne Latinis
Thebanos aptare modos studet, auspice Musa ?
An tragica desaevit et ampullatur in arte ?
Quid mihi Celsus agit ? monitus, multumque monen-
dus, 15
Privatas ut quaerat opes, et tangere vitet
Scripta Palatinus quascunque recepit Apollo :
Ne, si forte suas repetitum venerit olim
Grex avium plumas, moveat cornicula risum,
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I.
198
Furtivis nudata coloribus. Ipse quid audes ? 20
Q,uae circumvolitas agilis thyma? non tibi parvum
Ingenium, non incultum est, nec turpiter hirtum.
Seu linguam causis acuis, seu civica jura
Respondere paras, seu condis amabile carmen,
Prima feres hederse victricis praemia : quod si 25
Frigida curarum fomenta relinquere posses,
Q,uo te ccelestis sapientia duceret, ires.
Hoc opus, hoc studium parvi properemus et ampli,
Si patriae volumus, si nobis, vivere cari.
Debes hoc etiam rescribere, si tibi cura3, 30
Quantse conveniat, Munatius : an male sarta
Gratia nequidquam coit et rescinditur ? at vos
Seu calidus sanguis, seu rerum inscitia vexat
Indomita cervice feros, ubicunque locorum
Vivitis, indigni fraternum rumpere foedus, 35
Pascitur in vestrum reditum votiva juvenca.
EPISTOLA IV.
AD ALBIUM TIBULLUM.
Albi, nostrorum sermonum candide judex,
Quid nunc te dicam facere in regione Pedana ?
Scribere quod Cassi Parmensis opuscula vincat ?
An tacitum silvas inter reptare salubres,
Curantem quidquid dignum sapiente bonoque est ? 5
Non tu corpus eras sine pectore. Di tibi formam,
Di tibi divitias dederunt, artemque fruendi.
Quid voveat dulci nutricula majus alumno,
Qui sapere et fari possit quae sentiat, et cui
Gratia, fama, valetudo contingat abunde, 10
17
]94 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Et mundus victus, non deficiente crumena 1
Inter spem curamque, timores inter et iras,
Omnem crede diem tibi diluxisse supremum :
Grata superveniet, quae non sperabitur, hora.
Me pinguem et nitidum bene curata cute vises, 15
Quum ridere voles, Epicuri de grege porcum.
EPISTOLA V.
AD TORQUATUM.
Si potes Archiacis conviva recumbere lectis,
Nec modica ccenare times olus omne patella,
Supremo te sole domi, Torquate, manebo.
Vina bibes iterum Tauro diffusa, palustres
lnter Minturnas Sinuessanumque Petrinum. 5
Sin melius quid habes, arcesse, vel imperium fer.
Jamdudum splendet focus, et tibi munda supellex.
Mitte leves spes, et certamina divitiarum,
Et Moschi causam : cras nato Caesare festus
Dat veniam somnumque dies ; impune licebit 10
^Estivam sermone benigno tendere noctem.
Quo mihi, fortuna si non conceditur uti 1
Parcus ob hseredis curam nimiumque severus
Assidet insano. Potare et spargere flores
Incipiam, patiarque vel inconsultus haberi. 15
Quid non ebrietas designat 1 operta recludit;
Spes jubet esse ratas ; in prcelia trudit inertem ;
Sollicitis animis onus eximit ; addocet artes.
Foecundi calices quem non fecere disertum 1
Contracta quem non in paupertate solutum 1 20
Hsec ego procurare et idoneus imperor, et non
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 195
Invitus ; ne turpe toral, ne sordida mappa
Corruget nares ; ne non et cantharus et lanx
Ostendat tibi te ; ne fidos inter amicos
Sit qui dicta foras eliminet ; ut coeat par 25
Jungaturque pari. Butram tibi Septiciumque,
Et nisi ccBna prior, potior conviva, Sabinum
Detinet, assumam : locus est et pluribus umbris :
Sed nimis arcta premunt olidae convivia caprae.
Tu, quotus esse velis, rescribe ; et, rebus omissis, 30
Atria servantem postico falle clientem.
EPISTOLA VI.
AD NUMICIUM.
Nil admirari prope res est una, Numici,
Solaque, quae possit facere et servare beatum.
Hunc solem et stellas et decedentia certis
Tempora momentis sunt qui formidine nulla
Imbuti spectent : quid censes munera terrae 1 5
Quid maris extremos Arabas ditantis et Indos 1
Ludicra quid, plausus, et amici dona Quiritis 1
Q,uo spectanda modo, quo sensu credis et ore ?
Qui timet his adversa, fere miratur eodem,
Quo cupiens, pacto : pavor est utrobique molestus : 10
Improvisa simul species exterret utrumque.
Gaudeat, an doleat ; cupiat, metuatne ; quid ad rem,
Si, quidquid vidit melius pejusve sua spe,
Defixis oculis animoque et corpore torpet 1
Insani sapiens nomen ferat, aequus iniqui, 15
Ultra quam satis est virtutem si petat ipsam.
I nunc, argentum, et marmor vetus, aeraque, et artes
196 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Suspice ; cum gemmis Tyrios mirare colores :
Gaude quod spectant oculi te mille loquentem :
Gnavus mane forum et vespertinus pete tectum ; 20
Ne plus frumenti dotalibus emetat agris
Mutus ; et, indignum, quod sit pejoribus ortus,
Hic tibi sit potius quam tu mirabilis illi.
Quidquid sub terra est, in apricum proferet aetas ;
Defodiet condetque nitentia. Q,uum bene notum 25
Porticus Agrippse et via te conspexerit Appi,
Ire tamen restat Numa quo devenit et Ancus.
Si latus aut renes morbo tentantur acuto,
Quaere fugam morbi. Vis recte vivere ? quis non ?
Si virtus hoc una potest dare, fortis omissis 30
Hoc age deliciis. Virtutem verba putes, ut
Lucum ligna ? cave ne portus occupet alter,
Ne Cibyratica," ne Bithyna negotia perdas.
Mille talenta rotundentur, totidem altera ; porro et
Tertia succedant, et quae pars quadret acervum. 35
Scilicet uxorem cum dote, fidemque, et amicos,
Et genus, et formam, regina pecunia donat :
Ac bene nummatum decorat Suadela Venusque.
Mancipiis locuples eget aeris Cappadocum rex :
Ne fueris hic tu. Chlamydes Lucullus, ut aiunt, 40
Si posset centum scenae prasbere rogatus,
" Q,ui possum tot?" ait: "tamen et quaeram, et quot
habebo
Mittam." Post paulo scribit sibi millia quinque
Esse domi chlamydum ; partem, vel tolleret omnes.
Exilis domus est, ubi non et multa supersunt, 45
Et dominum fallunt, et prosunt furibus. Ergo,
Si res sola potest facere et servare beatum,
Hoc primus repetas opus, hoc postremus omittas.
Si fortunatum species et gratia praestat,
Mercemur servum qui dictet nomina, laevum 50
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 197
Qui fodicet latus, et cogat trans pondera dextram
Porrigere : " Hic multum in Fabia valet, ille Velina :
Cuilibet hic fasces dabit ; eripietque curule,
Cui volet, importunus, ebur : ' Frater,' c Pater,' adde ;
Ut cuique.est aetas, ita quemque facetus adopta." 55
Si, bene qui coenat, bene vivit ; lucet, eamus
Q,uo ducit gula : piscemur, venemur ; ut olim
Gargilius, qui mane plagas, venabula, servos,
Differtum transire forum populumque jubebat,
Unus ut e multis, populo spectante, referret 00
Emptum mulus aprum. Crudi tumidique lavemur,
Quid deceat, quid non, obliti, Caerite cera
Digni, remigium vitiosum Ithacensis Ulyssei,
Cui potior patria fuit interdicta voluptas.
Si, Mimnermus uti censet, sine amore jocisque 65
Nil est jucundum ; vivas in amore jocisque.
Vive, vale : si quid novisti rectius istis,
Candidus imperti ; si non, his utere mecum.
EPISTOLA VII.
AD M^CENATEM.
CIuinque dies tibi pollicitus me rure futurum,
Sextilem totum mendax desideror. Atqui,
Si me vivere vis, recteque videre valentem,
duam mihi das aegro, dabis aegrotare timenti,
Maecenas, veniam ; dum ficus prima calorque 5
Designatorem decorat lictoribus atris ;
Dum pueris omnis pater et matercula pallet ;
Officiosaque sedulitas et opella forensis
Adducit febres et testamenta resismat.
Quod si bruma nives Albanis illinet agris, 10
17*
198 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Ad mare descendet vates tuus, et sibi parcet,
Contractusque leget ; te, dulcis amice, reviset
Cum Zephyris, si concedes, et hirundine prima.
Non, quo more pyris vesci Calaber jubet hospes,
Tu me fecisti locupletem. " Vescere, sodes." 15
" Jam satis est." " At tu quantumvis tolle." " Benigne."
" Non invisa feres pueris munuscula parvis."
"Tam teneor dono, quam si dimittar onustus."
" Ut libet : haec porcis hodie comedenda relinquis."
Prodigus et stultus donat quae spernit et odit. 20
Haec seges ingratos tulit, et feret omnibus annis.
Vir bonus et sapiens dignis ait esse paratus ;
Nec tamen ignorat quid distent aera lupinis.
Dignum praestabo me etiam pro laude merentis.
Quod si me noles usquam discedere, reddes 25
Forte latus, nigros angusta fronte capillos ;
Reddes dulce loqui ; reddes ridere decorum.
Forte per angustam tenuis nitedula rimam
Repserat in cumeram frumenti ; pastaque rursus
Ire foras pleno tendebat corpore frustra. 30
Cui mustela procul, " Si vis," ait, "efFugere isthinc,
Macra cavum repetes arctum, quem macra subisti."
Hac ego si compellor imagine, cuncta resigno :
Nec somnum plebis laudo, satur altilium ; nec
Otia divitiis Arabum liberrima muto. 35
Saepe verecundum laudasti ; Rexque Paterque
Audisti coram ; nec verbo parcius absens :
Inspice si possum donata reponere laetus.
Hnud male Telemachus, proles patientis Ulyssei :
" Non est aptus equis Ithace locus ; ut neque planis 40
Porrectus spatiis, neque multae prodigus herbae :
Atride, magis apta tibi tua dona relinquam."
Parvum parva decent : mihi jam non regia Roma,
Sed vacuum Tibur placet, aut imbelle Tarentum.
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 199
Strenuus et fortis, causisque Philippus agendis 45
Clarus, ab officiis octavam circiter horam
Dum redit, atque foro nimium distare Carinas
Jam grandis natu queritur, conspexit, ut aiunt,
Adrasum quendam vasua tonsoris in umbra,
Cultello proprios purgant^rh leniter ungues. 50
" Demetri," (puer hic non lssve jussa Philippi
Accipiebat,) " abi ; quaere et refer, unde domo, quis,
Cujus fortunae ; quo sit patre, quov^ patrono."
It, redit, et narrat : Vulteium nomine Menam,
Praeconem, tenui censu, sine crimine notum ; 55
Et properare loco, et cessare, et quaerere, et uti,
Gaudentem parvisque sodalibus et lare certo,
Et ludis, et, post decisa negotia, Campo.
" Scitari libet ex ipso quaecunque refers : dic
Ad ccenam veniat," Non sane credere Mena : 60
Mirari secum tacitus. Quid multa ? " Benigne,"
Respondet. " Neget ille mihi 1 " " Negat improbus, et te
Negligit, aut horret." Vulteium mane Philippus
Vilia vendentem tunicato scruta popello
Occupat, et salvere jubet prior. Ille Philippo 65
Excusare laborem et mercenaria vincla,
duod non mane domum venisset ; denique, quod non
Providisset eum. " Sic ignovisse putato
Me tibi, si ccenas hodie mecum." " Ut libet." M Ergo
Post nonam venies : nunc i, rem strenuus auge." 70
Ut ventum ad ccenam est, dicenda tacenda locutus,
Tandem dormitum dimittitur. Hic, ubi saspe
Occultum visus decurrere piscis ad hamum,
Mane cliens, et jam certus conviva, jubetur
Rura suburbana indictis comes ire Latinis. 75
Impositus mannis arvum ccelumque Sabinum
Non cessat laudare. Videt, ridetque Philippus :
Et, sibi dum requiem, dum risus undique quserit,
200 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Dum septem donat sestertia, mutua septem
Promittit, persuadet uti mercetur agellum. 80
Mercatur : ne te longis ambagibus ultra
Q,uam satis est morer ; ex nitido fit rusticus, atque
Sulcos et vineta crepat mera, pr^parat ulmos,
Immoritur studiis, et amore ^nescit habendi.
Verum ubi oves furto, mo-voo periere capellae, 85
Spem mentita seges, bos est enectus arando ;
Offensus damnis, rcedia de nocte caballum
Arripit, iratusque Philippi tendit ad aedes.
Quem simul aspexit scabrum intonsumque Philippus,
" Durus," ait, " Vultei, nimis attentusque videris 90
Esse miiii." " Pol, me miserum, patrone, vocares,
Si velles," inquit, " verum mihi ponere nomen.
Quod te per Genium, dextramque, deosque Penates
Obsecro et obtestor, vitse me redde priori."
Clui semel aspexit quantum dimissa petitis 95
Praestent, mature redeat, repetatque relicta.
Metiri se quemque suo modulo ac pede verum est.
EPISTOLA VIIL
AD CELSUM ALBINOVANUM.
Celso gaudere et bene rem gerere Albinovano,
Musa rogata, refer, comiti scribseque Neronis.
Si quaeret quid agam ; dic, multa et pulchra minantem,
Vivere nec recte, nec suaviter : haud quia grando
Contuderit vites, oleamve momorderit aestus ;
Nec quia longinquis armentum segrotet in arvis ;
Sed quia, mente minus validus quam corpore toto,
Nil audire velim, nil discere, quod levet Eegrum ;
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 201
Fidis offendar medicis, irascar amicis,
Cur me funesto properent arcere veterno ; 10
Quae nocuere sequar ; fugiam quae profore credam ;
Romae Tibur amem ventosus, Tibure Romam.
Post haec, ut valeat, quo pacto rem gerat et se,
Ut placeat juveni, percontare, utque cohorti.
Si dicet, " Recte " : primum gaudere ; subinde 15
Praeceptum auriculis hoc instillare memento :
" Ut tu fortunam, sic nos te, Celse, feremus."
EPISTOLA IX.
AD CLAUDIUM NERONEM.
Septimius, Claudi, nimirum intelligit unus
duanti me facias : nam, quum rogat, et prece cogit
Scilicet, ut tibi se laudare et tradere coner,
Dignum mente domoque legentis honesta Neronis ;
Munere quum fungi propioris censet amici ; 5
Q,uid possim videt ac novit me valdius ipso.
Multa quidem dixi cur excusatus abirem ;
Sed timui mea ne finxisse minora putarer,
Dissimulator opis propriae, mihi commodus uni.
Sic ego, majoris fugiens opprobria culpae, 10
Frontis ad urbanae descendi praemia. Quod si
Depositum laudas ob amici jussa pudorem,
Scribe tui gregis hunc, et fortem crede bonumque.
202 Q. HORATII FLACCI
EPISTOLA X.
AD FUSCUM ARISTIUM.
Urbis amatorem Fuscum salvere jubemus
Ruris amatores ; hac in re scilicet una
Multum dissimiles, ad caetera pene gemelli.
Fraternis animis, quidquid negat alter, et alter ;
Annuimus pariter, vetuli notique columbi ; 5
Tu nidum servas, ego laudo ruris amceni
Rivos, et musco circumlita saxa, nemusque.
Quid quaeris 1 vivo, et regno, simul ista reliqui
Quae vos ad ccelum effertis rumore secundo :
Utque sacerdotis fugitivus, liba recuso ; 10
Pane egeo, jam mellitis potiore placentis.
Vivere iia.tur<fi si ouiiveiiienter oportet,
Ponendseque domo quaerenda est area primum ;
Novistine locum potiorem rure beato ?
Est ubi plus tepeant hiemes 1 ubi gratior aura 15
Leniat et rabiem Canis, et momenta Leonis,
Q,uum semel accepit solem furibundus acutum ?
Est ubi divellat somnos minus invida cura ?
Deterius Libycis olet aut nitet herba lapillis ?
Purior in vicis aqua tendit rumpere plumbum, 20
Quam quse per pronum trepidat cum murmure rivum?
Nempe inter varias nutritur silva columnas,
Laudaturque domus longos quae prospicit agros.
Naturam expelles furca, tamen usque recurret, \
Et mala perrumpet furtim fastidia victrix. 25
Non, qui Sidonio contendere callidus ostro
Nescit Aquinatem potantia vellera fucum,
Certius accipiet damnum propiusve medullis,
Q,uam qui non poterit vero distinguere falsum.
Quem res plus nimio delectavere secundse, 30
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 203
Mutatae quatient. Si quid mirabere, pones
Invitus. Fuge magna ; licet sub paupere tecto
Reges et regum vita praecurrere amicos.
Cervus equum pugna melior communibus herbis
Pellebat, donec minor in certamine longo 35
Imploravit opes hominis, fraenumque recepit :
Sed, postquam victor violens discessit ab hoste,
Non equitem dorso, non fraenum depulit ore.
foic qui, paupenem veritus, potiore metallis
Libertate caret, dominum vehet improbus, atque 40
Serviet aeternum, quia parvo nesciet uti.
Cui non conveniet sua res, ut calceus olim,
Si pede major erit, subvertet ; si minor, uret.
Laetus sorte tua vives sapienter, Aristi ;
Nec me dimittes incastigatum, ubi plura 45
Cogere quam satis est, ac non cessare, videbor.
Imperat aut servit collecta pecunia cuique,
Tortum digna sequi potius, quam ducere, funem.
Haec tibi dictabam post fanum putre Vacunse,
Excepto quod non simul esses, caetera laetus. 50
EPISTOLA XI.
AD BULLATIUM.
Quid tibi visa Chios, Bullati, notaque Lesbos ?
Quid concinna Samos ? quid Croesi regia Sardis t
Smyrna quid, et Colophon ? majora minorave fama ?
Cunctaque praB Campo et Tiberino flumine sordent ?
An venit in votum Attalicis ex urbibus una ?
An Lebedum laudas, odio maris atque viarum ?
Scis Lebedus quid sit ; Gabiis desertior atque
204 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Fidenis vicus : tamen illic vivere vellem ;
Oblitusque meorum, obliviscendus et illis,
Neptunum procul e terra spectare furentem. — 10
Sed neque qui Capua Romam petit, imbre lutoque
Aspersus, volet in caupona vivere : nec, qui
Frigus collegit, furnos et balnea laudat,
Ut fortunatam plene praestantia vitam :
Nec, si te validus jactaverit Auster in alto, J5
Idcirco navem trans iEgaeum mare vendas.
Incolumi Rhodos et Mitylene pulchra facit, quod
Paenula solstitio, campestre nivalibus auris,
Per brumam Tiberis, Sextili mense caminus.
Dum licet, et vultum servat Fortuna benignum, 20
Romae laudetur Samos, et Chios, et Rhodos absens.
Tu, quamcunque deus tibi fortunaverit horam,
Grata sume man-u ; neu dulcia dirTer in annum,
Ut, quocunque loco fueris, vixisse libenter
Te dicas : nam si ratio et prudentia curas, 25
Non locus effusi late maris arbiter, aufert ;
Ccelum, non animum, mutant, qui trans mare currunt.
Strenua nos exercet inertia : navibus atque
Quadrigis petimus bene vivere. Quod petis, hic est,
Est Ulubris, animus si te non deficit aequus. 30
EPISTOLA XII.
AD ICCIUM.
Fructibus Agrippas Siculis, quos colligis, Icci,
Si recte frueris, non est ut copia major
Ab Jove donarr possit tibi : tolle querelas ;
Pauper enim non est, cui rerum suppetit usus.
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 205
Si ventri bene, si lateri est pedibusque tuis, nil 5
Divitiae poterunt regales addere majus.
Si forte in medio positorum abstemius herbis
Vivis et urtica, sic vives protinus, ut te
Confestim liquidus Fortunae rivus inauret:
Yel quia naturam mutare pecunia nescit; 10
Vel quia cuncta putas una virtute minora.
Miramur si Democriti pecus edit agellos
Cultaque, dum peregre est animus sine corpore velox ;
Quum tu, inter scabiem tantam et contagia lucri,
Nil parvum sapias, et adhuc sublimia cures, 15
Quae mare compescant causae, quid temperet annum ;
Stellae sponte sua jussaene vagentur et errent ;
Quid premat obscurum lunae, quid proferat, orbem ;
Quid velit et possit rerum concordia discors ;
Empedocles, an Stertinium deliret acumen ? %q
Verum, seu pisces, seu porrum et caepe trucidas,
Utere Pompeio Grospho ; et, si quid petet, ultro
Defer : nil Grosphus nisi verum orabit et aequum.
Vilis amicorum est annona, bonis ubi quid deest.
Ne tamen ignores quo sit Romana loco res : 25
Cantaber Agrippae, Claudi virtute Neronis
Armenius cecidit : jus imperiumque Phraates
Csesaris accepit genibus minor : aurea fruges
Italiae pleno diffudit Copia cornu.
18
5
«
206 Q- HORATII FLACCI
EPISTOLA XIII.
AD VINIUM ASELLAM.
Ut proficiscentem docui te saspe diuque,
Augusto reddes signata volumina, Vini,
Si validus, si laetus erit, si denique poscet ;
Ne studio nostri pecces, odiumque Hbellis
Sedulus importes opera vehemente minister.
Si te forte meae gravis uret sarcina chartae.
Abjicito potius, quam quo perferre juberis
Clitellas ferus impingas, Asinaeque paternum
Cognomen vertas in risum, et fabula fias.
Viribus uteris per clivos, flumina, lamas. 10
Victor propositi simul ac perveneris illuc,
Sic positum servabis onus, ne forte sub ala
Fasciculum portes librorum, ut rusticus agnum,
Ut vinosa glomos furtiva? Pyrrhia lanse,
Ut cum pileolo soleas conviva tribulis. 15
Ne vulgo narres te sudavisse ferendo
Carmina quae possint oculos auresque morari
Caesaris : oratus multa prece, nitere porro.
Vade, vale ; cave ne titubes, mandataque frangas»
EPISTOLA XIV.
AD VILLICUM SUUM.
Villice silvarum et mihi me reddentis agelli,
Q,uem tu fastidis, habitatum quinque focis, et
Quinque bonos solitum Variam dimittere patres ;
Certemus, spinas animone ego fortius, an tu
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 207
Evellas agro ; et melior sit Horatius, an res. 5
Me quamvis Lamise pietas et cura moratur,
Fratrem mcerentis, rapto de fratre dolentis
Insolabiliter ; tamen isthuc mens animusque
Fert, et amat spatiis obstantia rumpere claustra.
Rure ego viventem, tu dicis in urbe, beatum : 10
Cui placet alterius, sua nimirum est odio sors.
Stultus uterque locum immeritum causatur inique ;
In culpa est animus, qui se non effugit unquam.
Tu mediastinus tacita prece rura petebas,
Nunc urbem et ludos et balnea villicus optas : 15
Me constare mihi scis, et discedere tristem,
Quandocunque trahunt invisa negotia Romam.
Non eadem miramur ; eo disconvenit inter
Meque et te : nam, quae deserta et inhospita tesqua
Credis, amcena vocat mecum qui sentit, et odit ~20
Quse tu pulchra putas. Fornix tibi et uncta popina
Incutiunt urbis desiderium, video ; et qudd
Angulus iste feret piper et thus ocius uva ;
Nec vicina subest, vinum praebere taberna
Quae possit tibi ; nec meretrix tibicina, cujus '25
Ad strepitum salias terrse gravis. Et tamen urges
Jampridem non tacta ligonibus arva, bovemque
Disjunctum curas, et strictis frondibus exples :
Addit opus pigro rivus, si decidit imber,
Multa moie docendus aprico parcere prato. 30
Nunc, age, quid nostrum concentum dividat, audi.
Quem tenues decuere togae nitidique capilli,
Quem nosti bibulum media de luce Falerni,
Ccena brevis juvat, et prope rivum somnus in herba :
Nec lusisse pudet, sed non incidere ludum. 35
Non isthic obliquo oculo mea commoda quisquam
Limat ; non odio obscuro morsuque venenat.
Rident vicini glebas et saxa moventem.
208 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Cura servis urbana diaria rodere mavis ;
Horum tu in numerum voto ruis. Invidet usum 40
Lignorum et pecoris tibi calo argutus et horti.
Optat ephippia bos piger ; optat arare caballus.
Quam scit uterque, libens, censebo, exerceat artem.
EPISTOLA XV.
AD NUMONIUM VALAM.
Quae sit hiems Veliae, quod ccelum, Vala, Salerni,
Quorum hominum regio, et qualis via : (nam mihi Baias
Musa supervacuas Antonius, et tamen illis
Me facit invisum; gelida quum perluor unda
Per medium frigus : sane myrteta relinqui, 5
Dictaque cessantem nervis elidere morbum
Sulphura contemni, vicus gemit, invidus segris
Qui caput et stomachum supponere fontibus audent
Clusinis, Gabiosque petunt et frigida rura :
Mutandus locus est, et diversoria nota 10
Praeteragendus equus : " Quo tendis ? non mihi CuHias
Est iter, aut Baias," lreva stomachosus habena
Dicet eques : sed equis fraenato est auris in ore :}
Major utrum populum frumenti copia pascat ;
Collectosne bibant imbres, puteosne perennes 15
Jugis aquae : (nam vina nihil moror illius orae :
Rure meo possum quidvis perferre patique ;
Ad mare quum veni, generosum et lene requiro,
Quod curas abigat, quod cum spe divite manet
In venas animumque meum, quod verba ministret. ) 20
Tractus uter plures lepores, uter educet apros ;
Utra magis pisces et echinos aequora celent ;
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 209
Pinguis ut inde domum possim Phaeaxque reverti :
Scribere te nobis, tibi nos accredere, par est.
Maenius, ut, rebus maternis atque paternis 25
Fortiter absumptis, urbanus coepit haberi,
Scurra vagus, non qui certum praesepe teneret,
Impransus non qui civem dignosceret hoste,
Quaelibet in quemvis opprobria fingere saevus,
Pernicies et tempestas barathrumque macelli, 30
Quidquid quaesierat, ventri donabat avaro.
Hic, ubi nequitiae fautoribus et timidis nil
Aut paulum abstulerat, patinas ccenabat omasi,
Vilis et agninae, tribus ursis quod satis esset ;
Scilicet ut ventres lamna candente nepotum 35
Diceret urendos, correctus. Maenius idem
Quidquid erat nactus praeds majoris, ubi omne
Verterat in fumum et cinerem, " Non hercule miror,"
Aiebat, " si qui comedunt bona, quum sit obeso
Nil melius turdo, nil vulva pulchrius ampla." 40
Nimirum hic ego sum ; nam tuta et parvula laudo,
Q,uum res deficiunt, satis inter vilia fortis :
Verum, ubi quid melius contingit et unctius, idem
Vos sapere et solos aio bene vivere, quorum
Conspicitur nitidis fundata pecunia villis. 45
EPISTOLA XVI.
AD QUINCTIUM.
Ne perconteris, fundus meus, optime Quincti,
Arvo pascat herum, an baccis opulentet olivae,
Pomisne, an pratis, an amicta vitibus ulmo ;
Scribetur tibi forma loquaciter et situs agri.
18*
210 Q- HORATII FLACCI
5
Continui montes, nisi dissocientur opaca
Valle ; sed ut veniens dextrum latus aspiciat sol,
LaBvum decedens curru fugiente vaporet.
Temperiem laudes. Q,uid, si rubicunda benigne
Corna vepres et pruna ferunt 1 si quercus et ilex
Multa fruge pecus, multa dominum juvat umbra ? 10
Dicas adductum propius frondere Tarentum.
Fons etiam. rivo dare nomen idoneus, ut nec
Frigidior Thracam nec purior ambiat Hebrus,
Infirmo capiti fluit utilis, utilis alvo.
Hse latebrse dulces, et jam, si credis, amcenae, 15
Incolumem tibi me praestant septembribus horis.
Tu recte vivis, si curas esse quod audis :
Jactamus jampridem omnis te Roma beatum.
Sed vereor ne cui de te plus quam tibi credas ;
Neve putes alium sapiente bonoque beatum ; 20
Neu, si te populus sanum recteque valentem
Dictitet, occultam febrem sub tempus edendi
Dissimules, donec manibus tremor incidat unctis.
Stultorum incurata pudor malus ulcera celat.
Si quis bella tibi terra pugnata marique 25
Dicat, et his verbis vacuas permulceat aures,
" Tene magis salvum populus velit, an populum tu,
Servet in ambiguo, qni consulit et tibi et urbi,
Jupiter ; " Augusti laudes agnoscere possis.
Q,uum pateris sapiens emendatusque vocari, 30
Respondesne tuo, dic sodes, nomine ? — Nempe
Vir bonus et prudens dici delector. — Ego, ac tu.
Q,ui dedit hoc hodie, cras, si volet, auferet ; ut, si
Detulerit fasces indi^no, detrahet idem.
" Pone, meum est/' inquit. Pono, tristisque recedo. 35
Idem si clamet furem, neget esse pudicum,
Contendat laqueo collum pressisse paternum ;
Mordear opprobriis falsis, mutemve colorem 1
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 211
Falsus honor juvat et mendax infaraia terret
Quem, nisi mendosum et medicandum ? Vir bonus est
quis ? 40
Qui consulta patrum, qui leges juraque servat;
Quo multa? magnseque secantur judice lites ;
Quo res sponsore et quo causse teste tenentur.
Sed videt hunc omnis domus et vicinia tota
Introrsum turpem, speciosum pelle decora. 45
" Nec furtum feci, nec fugi," si mihi dicat
Servus : " Habes pretium, loris non ureris," aio,
" Non hominem occidi." " Non pasces in cruce corvos."
" Sum bonus et frugi." Renuit negat atque Sabellus :
" Cautus enim metuit foveam lupus, accipiterque 50
Suspectos laqueos, et opertum miluus hamum.
Oderunt peccare boni virtutis amore ;
Tu nihil admittes in te formidine pcenae.
Sit spes fallendi, miscebis sacra profanis.
Nam de mille fabae modiis quum surripis unum, 55
Damnum est, non facinus, mihi pacto lenius isto."
Vir bonus, omne fovum quern spectat et omne tribunal,
Quandocunque deos vel porco vel bove placat,
" Jane pater " clare, clarc quum dixit " Apollo " ;
Labra movet, metuens audiri : " Pulchra Laverna, 60
Da mihi fallere, da justum sanctumque videri,
Noctem peccatis et fraudibus objice nubem."
Qui melior servo, qui liberior sit avarus,
In triviis fixum quum se demittit ob assem,
Non video : nam qui cupiet, metuet quoque ; porro, 65
Qui metuens vivit, liber mihi non erit unquam.
Perdidit arma, locum virtutis deseruit, qui
Semper in augenda festinat et obruitur re.
Vendere quum possis captivum, occidere noli :
Serviet utiliter : sine pascat durus aretque ; 70
Naviget ac mediis hiemet mercator in undis ;
212 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Annonae prosit ; portet frumenta penusque.
Vir bonus et sapiens audebit dicere : " Pentheu,
Rector Thebarum, quid me perferre patique
Indignum coges 1 " " Adimam bona." " Nempe pecas.
rem, 75
Lectos, argentum : tollas licet." " In manicis et
Compedibus ssevo te sub custode tenebo."
" Ipse deus, simul atque volam, me solvet." Opinor,
Hoc sentit, " Moriar " ; mors ultima linea rerum est.
EPISTOLA XVII.
AD SC^EVAM.
Quamvis, Scseva, satis per te tibi consulis, et scis
Q,uo tandem pacto deceat majoribus uti,
Disce, docendus adhuc, quae censet amiculus ; ut si
Caecus iter monstrare velit : tamen aspice si quid
Et nos, quod cures proprium fecisse, loquamur. -5
Si te grata quies et primam somnus in horam
Delectat ; si te pulvis strepitusque rotarum,
Si lsedit caupona, Ferentinum ire jubebo :
Nam neque divitibus contingunt gaudia solis ;
Nec vixit male, qui natus moriensque fefellit. 10
Si prodesse tuis, pauldque benignius ipsum
Te tractare voles, accedes siccus ad unctum.
" Si pranderet olus patienter, regibus uti
Nollet Aristippus." " Si sciret regibus uti,
Fastidiret olus, qui me notat." Utrius horum 15
Verba probes et facta, doce ; vel junior audi
Cur sit Aristippi potior sententia. Namque
Mordacem Cynicum sic eludebat, ut aiunt :
" Scurror ego ipse mihi, populo tu ; rectius hoc et -
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 213
Splendidius multo est : equus ut me portet, alat rex, 20
Officium facio ; tu poscis vilia rerum,
Dante minor, quamvis fers te nullius egentem."
Omnis Aristippum decuit color et status et res,
Tentantem niajora, fere prassentibus aequum.
Contra, quem duplici panno patientia velat, 25
Mirabor, vitae via si conversa decebit.
Alter purpureum non exspectabit amictum,
Quidlibet indutus celeberrima per loca vadet,
Personamque feret non inconcinnus utramque :
Alter Mileti textam cane pejus et angue 30
Vitabit chlamydem ; morietur frigore, si non
Rettuleris pannurn : refer, et sine vivat ineptus.
Res gerere et captos ostendere civibus hostes,
Attingit solium Jovis et coelestia tentat :
Principibus placuisse viris, non ultima laus est. 35
Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum.
Sedit, qui tiinuit ne non succederet ; esto :
Quid 1 qui pervenit, fecitne viriliter ? Atqui
Hic est, aut nusquam, quod quaerimus : hic onus horret,
Ut parvis animis et parvo corpore majus ; 40
Hic subit et perfert. Aut virtus nomen inane est,
Aut decus et pretium recte petit experiens vir.
Coram rege sua de paupertate tacentes
Plus poscente ferent. Distat, sumasne pudenter,
An rapias : atqui rerum caput hoc erat, hic fons. 45
■
" Indotata mihi soror est, paupercula mater,
Et fundus nec vendibilis, nec pascere firmus,"
Qui dicit, clamat, " Victum date." Succinit alter :
" Et mihi dividuo findetur munere quadra."
Sed tacitus pasci si posset corvus, haberet 50
Plus dapis, et rixae multo minus, invidiaeque.
Brundusium comes aut Surrentum ductus amaenum,
Qui queritur salebras et acerbum frigus et imbres,
214 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Aut cistam effractam aut subducta viatica plorat,
Nota refert meretricis acumina, saepe catellam, 55
Saepe periscelidem raptam sibi flentis ; uti mox
Nulla fides damnis verisque doloribus adsit.
Nec semel irrisus triviis attollere curat
Fracto crure planum ; licet illi plurima manet
Lacryma ; per sanctum juratus dicat Osirim, 60
" Credite, non ludo ; crudeles, tollite claudum."
" Quaere peregrinum," vicinia rauca reclamat.
EPISTOLA XVIII.
AD LOLLIUM.
Si bene te novi, metues, liberrime Lolli,
Scurrantis speciem prsebere, professus amicum.
Ut matrona meretrici dispar erit atque
Discolor, infido scurrse distabit amicus.
Est huic diversum vitio vitium prope majus, 5
Asperitas agrestis et inconcinna gravisque,
Q,uae se commendat tonsa cute, dentibus atris ;
Dum vult libertas dici mera, veraque virtus.
Virtus est medium vitiorum et utrinque reductum.
Alter in obsequium plus aequo pronus, et imi 10
Derisor lecti, sic nutum divitis horret,
Sic iterat voces, et verba cadentia tollit,
Ut puerum saevo credas dictata magistro
Reddere, vel partes mimum tractare secundas.
Alter rixatur de lana saepe caprina, 15
Propugnat nugis armatus : " Scilicet, ut non
Sit mihi prima fides, et, vere quod placet, ut non
Acriter elatrem, pretium aetas altera sordet."
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 215
Ambigitur quid enim 1 Castor sciat an Dolichos plus ;
Brundusium Minuci melius via ducat, an Appi. 20
Quem damnosa Venus, quem prseceps alea nudat,
Gloria quem supra vires et vestit et ungit,
Quem tenet argenti sitis importuna famesque,
Quem paupertatis pudor et fuga, dives amicus,
Saepe decem vitiis instructior, odit et horret : 25
Aut, si non odit, regit ; ac, veluti pia mater,
Plus quam se sapere et virtutibus esse priorem
Vult, et ait prope vera : " Meae (contendere noli)
Stultitiam patiuntur opes ; tibi parvula res est :
Arcta decet sanum comitem toga ; desine mecum 30
Certare." Eutrapelus cuicunque nocere volebat
Vestimenta dabat pretiosa. Beatus enim jam
Cum pulchris tunicis sumet nova consilia et spes ;
Dormiet in lucem ; scorto postponet honestum
Officium ; nummos alienos pascet ; ad imum 35
Thrax erit, aut olitoris aget mercede caballum.
Arcanum neque tu scrutaberis ullius unquam ;
Commissumque teges, et vino tortus et ira.
Nec tua laudabis studia, aut aliena reprendes ;
Nec, quum venari volet ille, poemata panges. 40
Gratia sic fratrum geminorum, Amphionis atque
Zethi, dissiluit, donec suspecta severo
Conticuit lyra. Fraternis cessisse putatur
Moribus Amphion : tu cede potentis amici
Lenibus imperiis ; quotiesque educet in agros 45
JEtolis onerata plagis jumenta canesque,
Surge, et inhumanse senium depone Camcense,
Coenes ut pariter pulmenta laboribus empta.
Romanis solemne viris opus, utile famae,
Vitaeque et membris ; praesertim quum valeas, et 50
Vel cursu superare canem, vel viribus aprum,
Possis : adde, virilia quod speciosius arma
216 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Non est qui tractet : scis quo clamore coronae
Pro^lia sustineas campestria : denique saevam
Militiam puer et Cantabrica bella tulisti 55
Sub duce qui templis Parthorum signa refigit
Nunc, et si quid abest, Italis adjudicat armis.
Ac, ne te retrahas, et inexcusabilis abstes,
Quamvis nil extra numerum fecisse modumque
Curas, interdum nugaris rure paterno : 60
Partitur lintres exercitus ; Actia pugna
Te duce per pueros hostili more refertur ;
Adversarius est frater ; lacus, Hadria ; donec
Alterutrum velox victoria fronde coronet.
Consentire suis studiis qui crediderit te, 65
Fautor utroque tuum laudabit pollice ludum.
Protinus ut moneam, si quid monitoris eges tu,
Q,uid de quoque- viro, et cui dicas, saepe videto.
Percunctatorem fugito ; nam garrulus idem est,
Nec retinent patulae commissa fideliter aures ; 70
Et semel emissum volat irrevocabile verbum.
Qualem commendes etiam atque etiam aspice ; ne mox
Incutiant aliena tibi peccata pudorem.
Fallimur, et quondam non dignum tradimus : ergo;
Q,uem sua culpa premet, deceptus omitte tueri : 75
Ut penitus notum, si tentent crimina, serves,
Tuterisque tuo fidentem praesidio ; qui
Dente Theonino quum circumroditur, ecquid
Ad te post paulo ventura pericula sentis ?
Nam tua res agitur, paries quum proximus ardet ; 80
Et neglecta solent incendia sumere vires.
Dulcis inexpertis cultura potentis amici ;
Expertus metuit. Tu, dum tua navis in alto est,
Hoc age ne mutata retrorsum te ferat aura.
Oderunt hilarem tristes, tristemque jocosi ; 85
Sedatum celeres, agilem gnavumque remissi :
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. 217
Potores bibuli mcdia de nocte Falerni
Oderunt porrecta negantem pocula ; quamvis
Nocturnos jures te formidare vapores.
Deme supercilio nubem : plerumque modestus 90
Occupat obscuri speciem, taciturnus acerbi.
Inter cuncta leges, et percontabere doctos,
Q,ua ratione queas traducere leniter aevum ;
Ne te semper inops agitet vexetque cupido,
Ne pavor, et rerum mediocriter utilium spes : 95
Virtutem doctrina paret, naturane donet ;
Quid minuat curas, quid te tibi reddat amicum ;
Quid pure tranquillet, honos, an dulce lucellum,
An secretum iter, et fallentis semita vitae.
Me quoties reficit gelidus Digentia rivus, 100
duem Mandela bibit, rugosus frigore pagus,
Q,uid sentire putas 1 quid credis, amice, precari ?
" Sit mihi quod nunc est, etiam minus : et mihi vivam
duod superest aevi, si quid superesse volunt di :
Sit bona librorum et provisae frugis in annum 105
Copia ; neu fluitem dubiae spe pendulus horae.
Sed satis est orare Jovem quae donat et aufert :
Det vitam, det opes ; aequum mi animum ipse parabo."
/
EPISTOLA XIX.
AD MiECENATEM.
Prisco si credis, Maecenas docte, Cratino,
Nulla placere diu nec vivere carmina possunt,
Q,uae scribuntur aquae potoribus : ut male sanos
Adscripsit Liber Satyris Faunisque poetas,
Vina fere dulces oluerunt mane Camcenae.
19
218 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Laudibus arguitur vini vinosus Homerus:
Ennius ipse pater nunquam, nisi potus, ad arma
Prosiluit dicenda. " Forum putealque Libonis
Mandabo siccis, adimam cantare severis."
Hoc simul edixit, non cessavere poetae 10
Nocturno certare mero, putere diurno.
Quid, si quis vultu torvo ferus et pede nudo
Exiguaeque togae simulet textore Catonem,
Virtutemne repraesentet moresque Catonis ?
Rupit Iarbitam Timagenis aemula lingua, 15
Dum studet urbanus, tenditque disertus haberi.
Decipit exemplar vitiis imitabiie : quod si
Pallerem casu, biberent exsangue cuminum.
O imitatores, servum pecus, ut mihi saepe
Bilem, saepe jocum, vestri movere tumultus ! 20
Libera per vacuum posui vestigia princeps ;
Non aliena meo pressi pede. Qui sibi fidit,
Dux regit examen. Parios ego primus iambos
Ostendi Latio, numeros animosque sequutus
Archilochi, non res et agentia verba Lycamben. 25
Ac, ne me foliis ideo brevioribus ornes
Q,uod timui mutare modos et carminis artem,
Temperat Archilochi Musam pede mascula Sappho,
Temperat Alcaeus : sed rebus et ordine dispar;
Nec socerum quaerit, quem versibus oblinat atris ; 30
Nec sponsae laqueum famoso carmine nectit.
Hunc ego, non alio dictum prius ore, Latinis
Vulgavi fidicen : juvat immemorata ferentem
Ingenuis oculisque legi, manibusque teneri.
Scire velis mea cur ingratus opuscula lector 35
Laudet ametque domi, premat extra limen iniquus ?
Non ego ventosae plebis suffragia venor
Impensis coenarum et tritae munere vestis ;
Non ego, nobilium scriptorum auditor et ultor,
EPISTOLARUM LIB. I. ojg
Grammaticas ambire tribus et pulpita dignor : 40
Hinc illae lacrymae. Spissis indigna theatris
Scripta pudet recitare, et nugis addere pondus,
Si dixi : " Rides," ait, " et Jovis auribus ista
Servas : fidis enim manare poetica mella
Te solum, tibi pulcher." Ad haec ego naribus uti 45
Formido : et, luctantis acuto ne secer ungui,
" Displicet iste locus," clamo, et diludia posco.
Ludus enim genuit trepidum certamen et iram,
Ira truces inimicitias et funebre bellum.
EPISTOLA XX.
AD LIBRUM SUUM.
Vertumnum Janumque, liber, spectare videris ;
Scilicet ut prostes Sosiorum pumice mundus.
Odisti claves et grata sigilla pudico :
Paucis ostendi gemis, et communia laudas,
Non ita nutritus. Fuge quo descendere gestis : %*>
Non erit emisso reditus tibi. " Quid miser egi ?
Quid volui ? " dices, ubi quid te laeserit. Et scis
In breve te cogi, plenus quum languet amator.
Q,uod si non odio peccantis desipit augur,
Carus eris Romoe, donec te deserat aetas. 10
Contrectatus ubi manibus sordescere vulgi
Cceperis, aut tineas pasces taciturnus inertes,
Aut fugies Uticam, aut vinctus mitteris Ilerdam.
Ridebit monitor non exauditus ; ut ille
Qui male parentem in rupes protrusit asellum 15
Iratus: quis enim invitum servare laboret ?
Hoc quoque te manet, ut pueros elementa docentem
220 EPISTOLARUM LIB. L
Occupet extremis in vicis balba senectus.
duum tibi sol tepidus plures admoverit aures,
Me libertino natum patre, et in tenui re 20
Majores pennas nido extendisse, loqueris ;
Ut, quantum generi demas, virtutibus addas :
Me primis Urbis belli placuisse domique,
Corporis exigui, praecanum, solibus aptum,
Irasci celerem, tamen ut placabilis essem. 25
Forte meum si quis te percontabitur sevum,
Me quater undenos sciat implevisse Decembres,
Collegam Lepidum quo duxit Lollius anno.
Q. HORATII FLACCI
EPISTOLARUM
LIBER SECUNDUS.
EPISTOLA I.
AD AUGUSTUM.
Q,uum tot sustineas et tanta negotia solus,
Res Italas armis tuteris, moribus ornes,
Legibus emendes, in publica commoda peccem,
Si longo sermone morer tua tempora, Caesar.
Romulus, et Liber pater, et cum Castore Pollux, 5
Post ingentia facta, deorum in templa recepti,
Dum terras hominumque colunt genus, aspera bella
Componunt, agros assignant, oppida condunt,
Ploravere suis non respondere favorem
Speratum meritis. Diram qui contudit hydram, 10
Notaque fatali portenta labore subegit,
Comperit invidiam supremo fine domari.
Urit enim fulgore suo, qui praegravat artes
Infra se positas : exstinctus amabitur idem.
Praesenti tibi maturos largimur honores, 15
Jurandasque tuum per nomen ponimus aras,
Nil oriturum alias, nil ortum tale fatentes.
19*
222 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Sed tuus hic populus, sapiens et justus in uno,
Te nostris ducibus, te Graiis anteferendo,
Csetera nequaquam simili ratione modoque 20
iEstimat ; et, nisi quse terris semota suisque
Temporibus defuncta videt, fastidit et odit :
Sic fautor veterum, ut tabulas peccare vetantes,
Quas bis quinque viri sanxerunt, foedera regum
Vel Gabiis vel cum rigidis aequata Sabinis, 25
Pontificum libros, annosa volumina vatum,
Dictitet Albano Musas in monte locutas.
Si, quia Graecorum sunt antiquissima quaeque
Scripta vel optima, Romani pensantur eadem
Scriptores trutina, non est quod multa loquamur : 30
Nil intra est oleani, nil extra est in nuce, duri.
Venimus ad summum fortunae : pingimus atque
Psallimus et luctamur Achivis doctius unctis.
Si meliora dies, ut vina, poemata reddit,
Scire velim pretium chartis quotus arroget annus. 35
Scriptor abhinc annos centum qui decidit, inter
Perfectos veteresque referri debet, an inter
Viles atque novos 1 excludat jurgia finis. —
Est vetus atque probus, centum qui perficit annos. —
Quid, qui deperiit minor uno mense, vel anno, 40
Inter quos referendus erit 1 veteresne poetas,
An quos et praesens et postera respuet aetas 1 —
Iste quidem veteres inter ponetur honeste,
Q,ui vel mense brevi vel toto est junior anno. —
Utor permisso, caudseque pilos ut equinae 45
Paulatim vello, et demo unum, demo etiam unum ;
Dum cadat, elusus ratione ruentis acervi,
dui redit ad fastos, et virtutem aestimat annis,
Miraturque nihil nisi quod Libitina sacravit.
Ennius, et sapiens et fortis, et alter Homerus, 50
Ut critici dicunt, leviter curare videtur
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. 223
Quo promissa cadant et somnia Pythagorea.
Naevius in manibus non est, et mentibus haeret
Pene recens, adeo sancturn est vetus omne poema.
Ambigitur quoties uter utro sit prior, aufert 55
Pacuvius docti famam senis, Actius alti ;
Dicitur Afrani toga convenisse Menandro;
Plautus ad exemplar Siculi properare Epicharmi ;
Vincere Caecilius gravitate, Terentius arte.
Hos ediscit, et hos arcto stipata theatro 60
Spectat Roma potens ; habet hos nurneratque poetas
Ad nostruin tempus Livi scriptoris ab aevo.
Interdum vulgus rectum videt ; est ubi peccat.
Si veteres ita miratur laudatque poetas,
Ut niliil anteferat, nihil illis comparet, errat : 65
Si quaedam nimis antique, si pleraque dure
Dicere cedit eos, ignave multa fatetur,
Et sapit, et mecum facit, et Jove judicat aequo.
Non equidem insector, delendave carmina Livi
Esse reor, memini quae plagosum mihi parvo 70
Orbilium dictare ; sed emendata videri,
Pulchraque, et exactis minimum distantia, miror.
Inter quae verbum emicuit si forte decorum, et
Si versus paulo concinnior unus et alter,
Injuste totum ducit venditque poema. 75
Indignor quidquam reprehendi, non quia crasse
Compositum illepideve putetur, sed quia nuper ;
Nec veniam antiquis, sed honorem et praemia posci.
Recte necne crocum floresque perambulet Attae
Fabula si dubitem, clament periisse pudorem 80
Cuncti pene patres, ea quum reprehendere coner
duae gravis ^Esopus, quae doctus Roscius egit :
Vel quia nil rectum, nisi quod placuit sibi, ducunt;
Vel quia turpe putant parere minoribus, et, quae
Imberbi didicere, senes perdenda fateri. 85
224 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Jam Saliare Numee carmen qui laudat, et illud
Quod mecum ignorat solus vult scire videri,
Ingeniis non ille favet plauditque sepultis,
Nostra sed impugnat, nos nostraque lividus odit.
Q,uod si tam Graiis novitas invisa fuisset 90
Quam nobis, quid nunc esset vetus ? aut quid haberet
Quod legeret tereretque viritim publicus usus 1
Ut primum positis nugari Graecia bellis
Coepit, et in vitium fortuna labier aequa,
Nunc athletarum studiis, nunc arsit equorum ; 95
Marmoris aut eboris fabros aut aeris amavit ;
Suspendit picta vultum mentemque tabella ;
Nunc tibicinibus, nunc est gavisa tragoedis :
Sub nutrice puella velut si luderet infans,
Quod cupide petiit, mature plena reliquit. 100
Quid placet aurodio est, quod non mutabile credas 1
Hoc paces habuere bona^ ventique secundi.
Romae dulce diu fuit et solemne reclusa
Mane domo vigilare, clienti promere jura,
Cautos nominibus rectis expendere nummos, 105
Majores audire, minori dicere per quse
Crescere res posset, minui damnosa libido.
Mutavit mentem populus levis, et calet uno
Scribendi studio : puerique patresque severi
Fronde comas vincti ccenant et carmina dictant. 1 10
Ipse ego, qui nullos me affirmo scribere versus,
Invenior Parthis mendacior ; et, prius orto
Sole, vigil calamum et chartas et scrinia posco.
Navem agere ignarus navis timet ; abrotonum aegro
Non audet, nisi qui didicit, dare ; quod medicorum est,
Promittunt medici ; tractant fabrilia fabri : 116
Scribimus indocti doctique poemata passim.
Hic error tamen et levis hsec insania, quantas
Virtutes habeat, sic collige : Vatis avarus
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. 225
Non temere est animus ; versus amat, hoc studet unum ;
Detrimenta, fugas servorum, incendia ridet ; 121
Non fraudem socio puerove incogitat ullam
Pupillo ; vivit siliquis et pane secundo.
Militise quanquam piger et malus, utilis urbi.
Si das hoc, parvis quoque rebus magna juvari : 125
Os tenerum pueri balbumque poeta figurat ;
Torquet ab obscoenis jam nunc sermonibus aurem ;
Mox etiam pectus prseceptis format amicis,
Asperitatis et invidiae corrector et irse ;
Recte facta refert ; orientia tempora notis 130
Instruit exemplis ; inopem solatur et aegrum.
Castis cum pueris ignara puella mariti
Disceret unde preces, vatem ni Musa dedisset 1
Poscit opem chorus, et praesentia numina sentit ;
Coelestes implorat aquas docta prece blandus ; 135
Avertit morbos, metuenda pericula pellit ;
Impetrat et pacem, et locupletem frugibus annum.
Carmine di superi placantur, carmine Manes.
Agricolse prisci, fortes, parvoque beati,
Condita post frumenta, levantes tempore festo 140
Corpus, et ipsum animum spe finis dura ferentem,
Cum sociis operum, pueris, et conjuge fida,
Tellurem porco, Silvanum lacte piabant,
Floribus et vino Genium memorem brevis aevi.
Fescennina per hunc inventa licentia morem 145
Versibus alternis opprobria rustica fudit ;
Libertasque recurrentes accepta per annos
Lusit amabiliter, donec jam saevus apertam
In rabiem verti coepit jocus, et per honestas
Ire domos impune minax : doluere cruento 150
Dente lacessiti ; fuit intactis quoque cura
Conditione super communi : quin etiam lex
Poenaque lata, malo quse nollet carmine quenquam
226 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Describi. Vertere modum, formidine fustis,
Ad bene dicendum delectandumque redacti. 155
Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit, et artes
Intulit agresti Latio. Sic horridus ille
Defluxit nurnerus Saturnius ; et grave virus
Munditiae pepulere : sed in longum tamen sevum
Manserunt hodieque manent vestigia ruris. 160
Serus enim Graecis admovit acumina chartis ;
Et, post Punica bella quietus, quaerere ccepit
Quid Sophocles et Thespis et ^Eschylus utile ferrent.
Tentavit quoque rem si digne vertere posset ;
Et placuit sibi, natura sublimis et acer : 165
Nam spirat tragicum satis, et feliciter audet ;
Sed turpem putat inscite metuitque lituram.
Creditur, ex medio quia res arcessit, habere
Sudoris minimu-m, sed habet Comcedia tanto
Plus oneris, quanto veniae minus. Aspice Plautus 170
Q,uo pacto partes tutetur amantis ephebi,
Ut patris attenti, lenonis ut insidiosi :
Quantus sit Dossennus edacibus in parasitis;
Quam non astricto percurrat pulpita socco.
Gestit enim nummum in loculos demittere, post hoc 175
Securus cadat an recto stet fabula talo.
Quem tulit ad scenam ventoso Gloria curru,
Exanimat lentus spectator, sedulus inflat.
Sic leve, sic parvum est, animum quod laudis avarum
Subruit ac reficit. Valeat res ludicra, si me 180
Palma negata macrum, donata reducit opimum.
Saepe etiam audacem fugat hoc, terretque poetam.
Quod numero plures, virtute et honore minores,
Indocti stolidique, et depugnare parati
Si discordet eques, media inter carmina poFcunt 185
Aut ursum, aut pugiles: his nam plebecula gaudet.
Verum equiti quoque jam migravit ab aure voluptas
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. 227
Omnis ad incertos oculos et gaudia vana.
Quatuor aut plures aulaea premuntur in horas,
Dum fugiunt equitum turmae peditumque catervae ; 190
Mox trahitur manibus regum fortuna retortis ;
Esseda festinant, pilenta, petorrita, naves ;
Captivum portatur ebur, captiva Corinthus.
Si foret in terris, rideret Democritus, seu
Diversum confusa genus panthera camelo, 195
Sive elephas albus vulgi converteret ora :
Spectaret populum ludis attentius ipsis,
Ut sibi prasbentem mimo spectacula plura.
Scriptores autem narrare putaret asello
Fabellam surdo : nam quse pervincere voces 200
Evaluere sonum referunt quem nostra theatra 1
Garganum mugire putes nemus, aut mare Tuscum :
Tanto cum strepitu ludi spectantur et artes
Divitiaeque peregrinae ; quibus oblitus actor
Quum stetit in scena, concurrit dextera laevae. 205
Dixit adhuc aliquid ? — Nil sane. — Quid placet ergo ? —
Lana Tarentino violas imitata veneno.
Ac ne forte putes me, quae facere ipse recusem,
duum recte tractent alii, laudare maligne ;
Ille pe: extentum funem mihi posse videtur 210
Ire poeta, meum qui pectus inaniter angit,
Irritat, mulcet, falsis terroribus implet,
Ut magus, et mcdo me Thebis, modo ponit Athenis.
Verum age, et his qui se lectori credere malunt,
Cluam spectatoris fastidia ferre superbi, 215
Curam redde brevem, si munus Apolline dignum
Vis complere libris, et vatibus addere calcar,
Ut studio majore petant Helicona virentem.
Multa quidem nobis facimus mala saepe poetae
(Ut vineta egomet caedam mea), quum tibi librum 220
Sollicito damus, aut fesso ; quum laedimur unum
228 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Si quis amicorum est ausus reprendere versum ; «
Quum loca jam recitata revolvimus irrevocati ;
Quum lamentamur non apparere labores
Nostros et tenui deducta poemata filo ; 225
Quum speramus eo rem venturam, ut, simul atque
Carmina rescieris nos fingere, commodus ultro
Arcessas, et egere vetes, et scribere cogas.
Sed tamen est operae pretium cognoscere quales
^Edituos habeat belli spectata domique 230
Virtus, indigno non committenda poetae.
Gratus Alexandro regi Magno fuit ille
Choerilus, incultis qui versibus et male natis
Rettulit acceptos, regale numisma, Philippos.
Sed, veluti tractata notam labemque remittunt 235
Atramenta, fere scriptores carmine fcedo
Splendida facta linunt. Idem rex ille, poema
Q,ui tam ridiculum tam care prodigus emit,
Edicto vetuit ne quis se, praeter Apellen,
Pingeret, aut alius Lysippo duceret aera 240
Fortis Alexandri vultum simulantia. Q,uod si
Judicium subtile videndis artibus illud
Ad libros et ad haec Musarum dona vocares,
Boeotum in crasso jurares aere natum.
At neque dedecorant tua de se judicia atque 245
Munera, quae multa dantis cum laude tulerunt
Dilecti tibi Virgilius Variusque poetae :
Nec magis expressi vultus per aenea signa
Quam per vatis opus mores animique virorum
Clarorum apparent. Nec sermones ego mallem 250
Repentes per humum, quam res componere gestas,
Terrarumque situs et flumina dicere, et arces
Montibus impositas, et barbara regna, tuisque
Auspiciis totum confecta duella per orbem,
Claustraque custodem pacis cohibentia Janum, 255
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. 229
Et formidatam Parthis te principe Romam ;
Si, quantum cuperem, possem quoque : sed neque par-
vum
Carmen majestas recipit tua, nec meus audet
Rem tentare pudor, quam vires ferre recusent.
Sedulitas autem, stulte quem diligit, urget, 260
Praecipue quum se numeris commendat et arte :
Discit enim citius meminitque libentius illud
Quod quis deridet, quam quod probat et veneratur.
Nil moror officium quod me gravat : ac neque ficto
In pejus vultu proponi cereus usquam, 265
Nec prave factis decorari versibus opto ;
Ne rubeam pingui donatus munere, et una
Cum scriptore meo, capsa porrectus aperta,
Deferar in vicum vendentem thus et odores,
Et piper, et quidquid chartis amicitur ineptis. 270
EPISTOLA II.
AD JULTUM FLORUM.
Flore, bono claroque fidelis amice Neroni,
Si quis forte velit puerum tibi vendere, natum
Tibure vel Gabiis, et tecum sic agat : " Hic, et
Candidus et talos a vertice pulcher ad imos,
Fiet eritque tuus nummorum millibus octo, 5
Verna ministeriis ad nutus aptus heriles,
Litterulis Grascis imbutus, idoneus arti
Cuilibet ; argilla quidvis imitaberis uda :
Quin etiam canet indoctum, sed dulce, bibenti.
Multa fidem promissa levant, ubi plenius acquo 10
20
230 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Laudat venales, qui vult extrudere, merces.
Res urget me nulla, meo sura pauper in aere :
Nemo hoc mangonum faceret tibi : non temere a me
Quivis ferret idem : semel hic cessavit, et, ut fit,
In scalis latuit metuens pendentis habenae. 15
Des nummos, excepta nihil te si fuga laedat."
Ille ferat pretium, pcenae securus, opinor.
Prudens emisti vitiosum ; dicta tibi est lex :
Insequeris tamen hunc, et lite moraris iniqua.
Dixi me pigrum proficiscenti tibi, dixi 20
Talibus officiis prope mancum ; ne mea saevus
Jurgares ad te quod epistola nulla veniret.
Quid tum profeci, mecum facientia jura
Si tamen attentas ? Quereris super hoc etiam, quod
Exspectata tibi non mittam carmina mendax. 25
Luculli miles~collecta viatica multis
JErumnis, lassus dum noctu stertit, ad assem
Perdiderat : post hoc vehemens lupus, et sibi et hosti
Iratus pariter, jejunis dentibus acer,
Praesidium regale loco dejecit, ut aiunt, 30
Summe munito, et multarum divite rerum.
Clarus ob id factum, donis ornatur honestis ;
Accipit et bis dena super sestertia nummum.
Forte sub hoc tempus castellum evertere praetor
Nescio quod cupiens, hortari ccspit eundem 35
Verbis quae timido quoque possent addere mentem :
" I, bone, quo virtus tua te vocat ; i pede fausto,
Grandia laturus meritorum praemia : quid stas 1 "
Post haec ille catus, quantumvis rusticus, " Ibit,
Ibit eo quo vis, qui zonam perdidit," inquit. 40
Romse nutriri mihi contigit, atque doceri
Iratus Graiis quantum nocuisset Achilles :
Adjecere bona3 paulo plus artis Athenae ;
Scilicet ut possem curvo dignoscere rectum,
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. 231
Atque inter silvas Academi quaerere verum. 45
Dura sed emovere loco me tempora grato ;
Civilisque rudem belli tulit sestus in arma,
Caesaris Augusti non responsura lacertis.
Unde simul primum me dimisere Philippi,
Decisis humilem pennis, inopemque paterni 50
Et laris et fundi, paupertas impulit audax
Ut versus facerem : sed quod non desit habentem
Quae poterunt unquam satis expurgare cicutae,
Ni melius dormire putem quam scribere versus ?
Singula de nobis anni praedantur euntes; 55
Eripuere jocos, venerem, convivia, ludum ;
Tendunt extorquere poemata : quid faciam vis ?
Denique non omnes eadem mirantur amantque :
Carmine tu gaudes ; hic delectatur iambis ;
Ille Bioneis sermonibus et sale nigro. 60
Tres mihi convivae prope dissentire videntur,
Poscentes vario multum diversa palaio :
Q,uid dem ? quid non dem ? renuis tu quod jubet al-
ter ;
Q,uod petis, id sane est invisum acidumque duobus.
Praeter caetera, me Romaene poemata censes 65
Scribere posse inter tot curas totque labores ?
Hic sponsum vocat, hic auditum scripta, relictis
Omnibus ofBciis : cubat hic in colle Quirini,
Hic extremo in Aventino ; visendus uterque.
Intervalla vides humane commoda. — Verum 70
Purae sunt plateae, nihil ut meditantibus obstet. —
Festinat calidus mulis gerulisque redemptor ;
Torquet nunc lapidem, nunc ingens machina tignum;
Tristia robustis luctantur funera plaustris ;
Hac rabiosa fugit canis, hac lutulenta ruit sus : 75
I nunc, et versus tecum meditare canoros.
Scriptorum chorus omnis amat nemus et fugit urbes,
232 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Rite cliens Bacchi somno gaudentis et umbra. :
Tu me inter strepitus nocturnos atque diurnos
Vis canere, et contracta sequi vestigia vatum 1 80
Ingenium, sibi quod vacuas desumpsit Athenas,
Et studiis annos septem dedit, insenuitque
Libris et curis, statua taciturnius exit
Plerumque, et risu populum quatit : hic ego, rerum
Fluctibus iu mediis et tempestatibus urbis, 85
Verba lyrae motura sonum connectere digner 1
Frater erat Romse consulti rhetor, ut alter
Alterius sermone meros audiret honores ;
Gracchus ut hic iiJi foret, huic ut Mucius ille.
Q,ui minus argutos vexat furor iste poetas ? 90
Carmina compono. hic elegos : mirabile visu,
Caelatumque novem Musis opus. Aspice primum
Quanto cum fastu, quanto molimine circum-
spectemus vacuam Romanis vatibus aedem.
Mox etiam, si forte vacas, pequerP!, et procul audi 95
duid ferat et quare sibi nectat uterque coronam.
Caedimur, et totidem plagis consumimus hostem,
Lento Samnites ad lumina prima duello.
Discedo Alceeus puncto illius ; ille meo quis?
Quis, nisi Callimachus? si plus adposcere visus, 100
Fit Mimnermus, et optivo cognomine crescit.
Multa fero, ut placem genus irritabile vatum,
Q,uum scribo et supplex populi suffragia capto :
Idem, finitis studiis et mente recepta,
Obturem patulas impunt' legentibus aures. 105
Ridentur mala qui componunt carmina : verum
Gaudent scribentes, et se venerantur, et ultro,
Si taceas, laudant, quidquid scripsere, beati.
At, qui legitimum cupiet fecisse poema,
Cum tabulis animum censoris sumet honesti; 110
Audebit quaecunque parum splendoris habebunt,
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. 233
Et sine pondere erunt, et honore indigna ferentur,
Verba movere loco, quamvis invita recedant,
Et versentur adhuc intra penetralia Vestoe.
Obscurata diu populo bonus eruet, atque 115
Proferet in lucem speciosa vocabula rerum,
Q,uae, priscis memorata Catonibus atque Cethegis,
Nunc situs informis premit et deserta vetustas :
Adsciscet nova, quse genitor produxerit usus.
Vehemens et liquidus, puroque simillimus amni, 120
Fundet opes, Latiumque beabit divite lingua.
Luxuriantia compescet, nimis aspera sano
Levabit cultu, virtute carentia tollet :
Ludentis speciem dabit, et torquebitur, ut qui
Nunc Satyrum, nunc agrestem Cyclopa movetur. 125
Prastulerim scriptor delirus inersque videri,
Dum mea delectent mala me, vel denique fallant,
Quam sapere, et ringi. Fuit haud ignobilis Argis,
Qui se credebat miros audire tragoedos,
In vacuo lcetus sessor plausorque theatro ; 130
Caetera qui vitae servaret munia recto
More ; bonus sane vicinus, amabilis hospes,
Comis in uxorem ; posset qui ignoscere servis,
Et signo laeso non insanire lagenae;
Posset qui rupem et puteum vitare patentem. 135
Hic ubi, cognatorum opibus curisque refectus,
Expulit elleboro morbum bilemque meraco,
Et redit ad sese : " Pol, me occidistis, amici,
Non servastis," ait, " cui sic extorta voluptas,
Et demptus per vim mentis gratissimus error." 140
Nimirum sapere est abjectis utile nugis,
Et tempestivum pueris concedere ludum ;
Ac non verba sequi fidibus modulanda Latinis,
Sed verae numerosque modosque ediscere vitae.
Quocirca mecum loquor haec, tacitusque recordor : 145
20*
234 Q- HORATII FLACCI
" Si tibi nulla sitim finiret copia lymphae,
Narrares medicis : quod quanto plura parasti,
Tanto plura cupis, nulline faterier audes 1
Si vulnus tibi monstrata radice vel herba
Non fieret levius, fugeres, radice vel herba 150
Proficiente nihil, curarier 1 Audieras, cui
Rem di donarent, illi decedere pravam
Stultitiam ; et, quum sis nihilo sapientior ex quo
Plenior es, tamen uteris monitoribus isdem 1
At si divitiae prudentem reddere possent, 155
Si cupidum timidumque miniis te ; nempe ruberes,
Viveret in terris te si quis avarior uno.
" Si proprium est quod quis libra mercatus et aere est,
dusedam, si credis consultis, mancipat usus ;
Q,ui te pascit ager, tuus est ; et villicus Orbi, 160
Q,uum segetes dccat, tibi mox frumenta daturas,
Te dominum sentit. Das nummos ; accipis uvam,
Pullos, ova, cadum temeti : nernpe modo isto
Paulatim mercaris agrum, fortasse trecentis,
Aut etiam supra, nummorum millibus emptum. 165
Quid refert, vivas numerato nuper, an olim ?
Emptor Aricini quondam Veientis et arvi
Emptum ccenat olus, quamvis aliter putat ; emptis
Sub noctem gelidam lignis calefactat aenum :
Sed vocat usque suum, qua populus adsita certis 170
Limitibus vicina refugit jurgia ; tanquam
Sit proprium quidquam, puncto quod mobilis horae,
Nunc prece, nunc pretio, nunc vi, nunc sorte suprema,
Permutet dominos et cedat in altera jura.
Sic, quia perpetuus nulli datur usus, et hseres 175
Haeredem alterius, velut unda supervenit undam,
duid vici prosunt, aut horrea ? quidve Calabris
Saltibus adjecti Lucani, si metit Orcus
Grandia cum parvis, non exorabilis auro 1
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. 235
C(
Gemmas, marmor, ebur, Tyrrhena sigilla, tabellas,
Argentum, vestes Gaetulo murice tinctas, 181
Sunt qui non habeant ; est qui non curat habere.
Cur alter fratrum cessare et ludere et ungi
Prseferat Herodis palmetis pinguibus ; alter,
Dives et importunus, ad umbram lucis ab ortu 185
Silvestrem flammis et ferro mitiget agrum ;
Scit Genius, natale comes qui temperat astrum,
Naturae deus humanae, mortalis in unum-
quodque caput, vultu mutabilis, albus et ater.
" Utar, et ex modico, quantum res poscet, acervo 190
Tollam ; nec metuam quid de me judicet hseres,
Quod non plura datis invenerit : et tamen idem
Scire volam quantum simplex hilarisque nepoti
Discrepet, et quantum discordet parcus avaro.
Distat enim, spargas tua prodigus, an neque sump-
tum 195
Invitus facias, neque plura parare labores ;
Ac potius, puer ut festis Quinquatribus olim,
Exiguo gratoque fruaris tempore rapti*n.
" Pauperies immunda procul procul absit : ego, utriim
Nave ferar magna an parva, ferar unus et idem. 200
Non agimur tuinidis velis Aquilone secundo ;
Non tamen adversis aetatem ducimus Austris ;
Viribus, ingenio, specie, virtute, loco, re,
Extremi primorum, extremis usque priores.
" Non es avarus : abi. Quid ? caetera jam simul isto
Cum vitio fugere ? caret tibi pectus inani 206
Ambitione ? caret mortis formidine, et ira ?
Somnia, terrores magicos, miracula, sagas,
Nocturnos lemures portentaque Thessala rides ?
Natales grate numeras ? ignoscis amicis ? 210
Lenior et melior fis accedente senecta ?
duid te exempta juvat spinis de pluribus una?
236 EPISTOLARUM LIB. II.
Vivere si recte nescis, decede peritis. f\
■
■
' I
f
t
Lusisti satis, edisti satis atque bibisti :
Tempus abire tibi est, ne potum largius asquo 215
Rideat et pulset lasciva decentiiis eetas."
. <
Q. HORATII FLACCI
ARS POETICA.
AD PISONEak^,
Humano capiti cervicem pictor equinam
Jungere si velit, et varias inducere plumas,
Undique collatis membris, ut turpiter atruin
Desinat in piscem mulier formosa superne,
Spectatum admissi risum teneatis, amici 1
Credite, Pisones, isti tabulse fore librum
Persimilem, cujus, velut aegri somnia, vanas
r lngentur species ; ut nec pes, nec caput uni
Redtiutur formse. — Pictoribus atque poetis
Quidlibet audendi semper fuit aequa potestas. — 10
Scimus, et hanc veniam petimusque damusque vicissim ;
Sed non ut placidis coeant immitia ; non ut
Serpentes avibus geminentur, tigribus agni.
Inceptis gravibus plerumque et magna professis
Purpureus, late qui splendeat, unus et alter 15
Assuitur pannus ; quum lucus et ara Dianas,
Et properantis aquse per amoenos ambitus agros,
Aut flimen Rhenum, aut pluvius describitur arcus :
Sed nunc non erat his locus. Et fortasse cupressum
238 Q- HORATII FLACCI
* i
Scis simulare : quid hoc, si fractis enatat exspes 20
Navibus, aere dato qui pingitur ? Amphora ccEpit
Institui ; currente rota cur urceus exit ?
Denique sit, quod vis, simplex duntaxat et unum.
Maxima pars vatum, pater, et juvenes patre digni,
Decipimur specie recti : brevis esse laboro, 25
Obscurus fio : secmrrtem levia nervi
Deficiunt animique : professus grandia turget :
Serpit humi tutus nimium timidusque procellae.
Q,ui variare cupit rem prodigialiter unam,
Delphinum silvis appingit, rluctibus aprum. A: 30
In vitium ducit culpoe f .ret arte.
^Emilium circa ludum faber iinus et unsfues
Exprimet et molles imitabitur a?re capillos ;
j^ Unfelix operis summa, quia ponere totum
Nesciet : hunc~ego me, si quid componere curem, 35
Non magis esse velim, quam pravo vivere naso,
Spectandum nigris oculis, nigroque cnpillo.
Surriite materiaia vestris, qui scribitis, axmam
Viribus; et versate diu quid ferre recusent,
Q,uid valeant humeri : cui lecta potenter erit res, 40
\ Nec facundia deseret hunc, nec lucidus ordo.
Ordinis ha:c virtus erit et venus, aut ego fallor,
Ut jam nunc dicat, jam nunc debentia dici
Pleraque differat, et proesens iu tempus omittat.
In verbis etiam tenuis cautusque serendis, 45
Hoc amet, hoc spernat promissi carminis auctor.
Dixeris egregie, notum si calrraa verbum
Reddiderit junctura novum. Si forte necesse est
Indiciis mpnstrare reccntibus nbdita rerum,
Fingere cinctulis non exaudita Cethegis 5(*
Continget : dabiturque licentia suinpta pudenter :
Et nova fictaque nuper habebunt verba ndem, si
Graeco fonte cadant, parce detorta. Q,uid autem
<1
ARS POETICA. 239
Csecilio Plautoque dabit Romanus ademptum
Virgilio Varioque 1 ego cur, acquirere pauca 55
Si possum, invideor, qVfum lingua Catonis ct Enni
Sermonem patrium ditaveiit, et nova rerum
Nomina protulerit ? Licuit semperque licebit
feignatum prassente nota producere nomen
\ Ut silva? foliis pronos imutantur in annos, 60
Prima cadunt ; ita verborum vetus interit mtas,
Et juvenum ritu florent modo nata, vigentque.
Debemur morti nos nostraque ; sive receptus
Terra Neptunus classes Aquilonibus arcet,
Regis opus ; sterilisque diu palus, aptaque remis, 65
Vicinas urbes alit et grave sentit aratrum ;
Seu cursum mutavit iniquum frugibus amnis,
Doctus iter, melius. Mortalia facta peribunt ; "
Nedum sermonum stet honos, et gratia vivax.
Multa renaseenfur qua? jam cecidere, cadentque 70
Q,uaD nunc sunt in honore, vocabula, si volct usus,
^Quem peftes arbitrium est et jus et norma loquendi.'
Res gesta^ regumque ducumque, et tristia bella,
Q,uo scribi possent numero monstravit Homerus.
Versibus impariter junctis querimonia prknum, 75
Post etiam inclusa est voti sententia compos.
uis tamen exiguos elegos emisent auctor
Grammatici certant, et adhuc sub judice lis est.
Arcbilochum proprio rabies armavit iambo :
Hunc socci cepere pedem grandesque cothurni, 80
Alternis nptum sermonibus, et populares
Vincentem strepifus, et natum rebus agendis.
Musa dedit fidibus divos puerosque deorum,
Et pugilem victorem, et equum certamine prirnum,
Et juvenum curas, et libera vina referre. 85
Descriptas servare vices operumque colores,
Cur ego, si nequeo ignoroque, poeta salutor ?
240 Q- HOiRATII FLACCI
Cur nescire, pudens prave, quam discere malo 1
Versibus exponi tragicis res comica non vult :
Indignatur item privatis, ac prope socco 90
Dignis, carminibus narrari ccena Thyestae.
Singula quaeque locum teneant sortita decenter.
Interdum tamen et vocem Comcedia tollit ;
Iratusque Chremes tumido delitigat ore.
Et tragicus plerumque dolet sermone pedestri : 95
Telephus et Peleus quum pauper et exsul, uterque
Projicit ampullas et sesquipedalia verba,
Si curat cor spectantis tetigisse querela.
Non satis est pulchra esse poemata ; dulcia sunto,
Et quocunque volent animum auditoris agunto. 100
Ut ridentibus arrident, ita flentibus adflent
Humani vultus : si vis me flere, dolendum est
Primum ipsi tibi ; tunc tua me infortunia loedent,
Telephe, vel Peleu : male si mandata loqueris,
Aut dormitabo, aut ridebo. I Tristia mcestum 105
Vultum verba decent ; iratum, plena minarum ;
■
Ludentem, lasciva ; severum, seria dictu.
Format enim natura prius nos intus ad omnem
Fortunarum habitum ; juvat, aut impellit ad iram,
Aut ad humum mcerore gravi deducit, et angit; 110
Post efTert animi motus interprete lingua.
Si dicentis erunt fortunis absona dicta,
Romani tollent equites peditesque cachinnum.
Intererit multum Davusne loquatur, an heros ;
Maturusne senex, an adhuc florente juventa 115
Fervidus ; an matrona potens, an sedula nutrix ;
Mercatome vagus, cultorne virentis agelli ;
Colchus, an Assyrius ; Thebis riutritus, an Argis.
Aut famam sequere, aut sibi convenientia finge,
Scriptor. Honoratum si forte reponis Achillem, 120
Impiger, iracundus, inexorabilis, acer,
^r ARS P0E7ICA. 241
Jura neget sibi nata, nihil non arroget arrnis :
Sit Medea ferox invictaque, flebilis Ino,
Perfidus Ixion, Io vaga, tristis Orestes.
Si quid inexpertum scena) committis, et audes 125
Personam formare novam, servetur ad imum
dualis ab incepto processerit, et sibi constet.
Difficile est proprie communia dicere : tuque
Rectius Iliacum carmen deducis in actus,
Q,uam si proferres ignota indictaque primus. 130
Publica materies privati juris erit, si
Nec circa vilem patulumque moraberis orbem ;
Nec verbum verbo curabis reddere, fidus
Interpres ; nec desilies imitator in arctum,
Unde pedem proferre pudor vetet, aut operis lex. 135
Nec sic incipies, ut scriptor cyclicus olim :
" Fortunam Pnami cantabo et nobile bellum."
Q,uid dignum tanto feret hic promissor hiatu ?
Partununt moates, nascetur ridiculus mus.
Quanto rectiiis hic qui nil molitur inepte ! 140
" Dic mihi, Musa, virum, captse post tempora TrojaB,
Q,ui mores hominum multorum vidit et urbes.!>
Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem
Cogitat, ut spec,iosa dehinc miracula promat,'r^
Antiphaten Scyllamque et cum Cyclope Charybdin ; 145
Nec reditum Diomedis ab interitu Meleasm,
Nec gemino bellum Trojanum orditur ab ovo.
Seniper ad evenlum festinat ; et in medias res,
Non secus ac notas, auditorem rapit ; et, quas
Desperat tractata nitescere posse, relinquit ; 150
Atque ita mentitur, sic veris falsa remiscet,
Primo ne medium, medio ne discrepet imum.
Tu, quid ego et populus mecum desideret, audi :
Si plausoris eges au' eea manentis, et usque
Sessuri, donec cantor, " Vos plaudite," dicat, 155
3
242 Q- HORATII FLACCI
iEtatis cujusque notandi sunt tibi mores,
Mobilibusque decor naturis dandus et annis.
Reddere qui voces jam scit puer, et pede certo
Signat humum, gestit paribus colludere, et iram
Colligit ac ponit temere, et mutatur in horas. 160
Imberbus juvenis, tandem custode remoto,
Gaudet equis canibusque et aprici gramine Campi ;
Cereus in vitium flecti, monitoribus asper,
Utilium tardus provisor, prodigus seris,
Sublimis, cupidusque et amata relinquere pernix. 165
Conversis studiis, setas animusque virilis
duaerit opes et amicitias,'inservit honori,
Commisisse cavet quod mox mutare laboret.
Multa senem circumveniunt incommoda ; vel quod
Qugerit, et inventis miser abstinet ac timet uti ; 170
Vel quod res omnes timide gelideque ministrat,
Dilator, spe longus, iners, avidusque futuri,
Difficilis, querulus, laudator tenlporis acti
Se puero, censor castigatorque minorum.
Multa ferunt anni venientes commoda secum ; 175
Multa recedentes adimunt. Ne forte seniles
Mandentur juveni partes, pueroque viriles,
Semper in adjunctis aevoque morabimur aptis.
Aut agitur res in scenis, aut acta refertur :
Segnius irritant animos demissa per aurem, 180
Q,uam quse sunt oculis subjecta fidelibus, et quaa
Ipse sibi tradit spectator. Non tamen intus
Digna geri promes in scenam ; multaque tolles
Ex oculis, quae mox narret facundia praesens :
Ne pueros coram populo Medea trucidet ; 185
Aut humana palam coquat exta nefarius Atreus ;
Aut in avem Progne vertatur, Cadmus in anguem.
Quodcunque ostendis mihi sic, incr^dulus odi.
Neve minor, neu sit quinto produ^tior actu
ARS POETICA. 043
Fabula, quae posci vult et spectata reponi : 390
Nec deus intersit, nisi dignus vindice nodus . '
Inciderit: nec quarta loqui persona laboret. / ^/
Actoris partes chorus officiumque virile
Defendat ; neu quid medios intercinat actus,
duod non proposito conducat et hoereat apte : 195
Ille bonis faveatque, et consilietur amicis ;
Et regat iratos, et amet pacare tumentes ;
Ille dapes laudet mensae brevis ; ille salubrem
Justitiam, legesque, et apertis otia portis ;
Ille tegat commissa, deosque precetur et oret, 200
Ut redeat miseris, abeat fortuna superbis.
Tibia non, ut nunc, orichalco vincta, tubseque
jEmula, sed tenuis simplexque foramine pauco,
Adspirare et adesse choris erat utilis, atque
Nondum spissa nimis compiere sedilia flatu, 205
Q,\ib sane populus numerabilis, utpote parvus,
Et fruori castusque verecundusque coibat.
Postquam coepit agros extendere victor, et urbem
Latior amplecti murus, vinoque diurno
Placari Genius festis impune diebus, 210
Accessit numerisque modisque licentia major.
Indoctus quid enim saperet, liberque laborum,
Rusticus urbano confusus, turpis honesto 1
Sic priscae motumque et luxuriam addidit arti
Tibicen, traxitque vagus per pulpita vestem. 215
Sic etiam fidibus voces crevere severis,
Et tulit eloquium insolitum facundia praeceps ;
Utiliumque sagax rerum, et divina futuri,
Sortilegis non discrepuit sententia Delphis.
Carmine qui tragico vilem certavit ob. hircum, 220
Mox etiam agrestes Satyros nudavit, et asper
Incolumi gravitate jocum tentavit, eo quod
Ulecebris erat et grata novitate morandus
244 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Spectator, functusque sacris, et potus, et exlex.
Verum ita risores, ita commendare dicaces 225
Conveniet Satyros, ita vertere seria ludo,
Ne quicunque deus, quicunque adhibebitur heros,
Regali conspectus in auro nuper et ostro,
Migret in obscuras humili sermone tabernas ;
Aut, dum vitat humum, nubes et inania captet. 230
Effutire leves indigna Tragoedia versus,
Ut festis matrona moveri jussa diebus,
Intererit Satyris paulum pudibunda protervis.
Non ego inornata et dominantia nomina solum
Verbaque, Pisones, Satyrorum scriptor amabo ; 235
Nec sic enitar tragico differre colori,
Ut nihil intersit Davusne loquatur, et audax
Pythias emuncto, lucrata Simone talentum,
An custos famulusque dei Silenus alumni.
Ex noto fictum carmen sequar, ut sibi quivis 240
Speret idem ; sudet multum frustraque laboret
Ausus idem : tantum series juncturaque pollet,
Tantum de medio sumptis accedit honoris.
Silvis deducti caveant, me judice, Fauni
Ne, velut innati triviis ac pene forenses, 245
Aut nimium teneris juvenentur versibus unquam,
Aut immunda crepent ignominiosaque dicta :
Offenduntur enim, quibus est equus et pater et res ;
Nec, si quid fricti ciceris probat et nucis emptor,
^Equis accipiunt animis donantve corona. 250
Syllaba longa brevi subjecta vocatur Iambus ;
Pes citus ; unde etiam trimetris accrescere jussit
Nomen Iambeis, quum senos redderet ictus,
Primus ad extremum similis sibi : non ita pridem,
'Tardior ut paulo graviorque veniret ad aures, 255
Spondeos stabiles in jura paterna recepit
Commodus et patiens ; non ut de sede secunda
ARS POETICA. 245
Cederet aut quarta socialiter. Hic et in Acci
Nobilibus trimetris apparet rarus, et Enni.
In scenam missos magno cum pondere versus, 260
Aut operss celeris nimium curaque carentis,
Aut ignoratae premit artis crimine turpi.
Non quivis videt immodulata poemata judex ;
Et data Romanis venia est indigna poetis.
Idcircone vager, scribamque licenter, ut omnes 265
Visuros peccata putem mea, tutus, et intra
Spem veniae cautus 1 Vitavi denique culpam,
Non laudem merui. Vos exemplaria Graeca
Nocturna versate manu, versate diurna.
At vestri proavi Plautinos et numeros et 270
Laudavere sales, nimium patienter utrumque,
Ne dicam stulte, mirati ; si modo ego et vos
Scimus inurbanum lepido seponere dicto,
Legitimumque sonum digitis callemus, et aure.
Ignotum Tragicae genus invenisse Camcenae 275
Dicitur, et plaustris vexisse poemata Thespis,
Quae canerent agerentque peruncti faecibus ora.
Post hunc, personse pallseque repertor honestae,
iEschylus, et modicis instravit pulpita tignis,
Et docuit magnumque loqui nitique cothurno. 280
Successit vetus his Comcedia, non sine multa
Laude ; sed in vitium libertas excidit et vim
Dignam lege regi : lex est accepta, chorusque
Turpiter obticuit, sublato jure nocendi.y
" ^Nil intentatum nostri liquere poetse : 285
Nec mihimum meruere decus, vestigia Graeca
Ausi deserere et celebrare domestica facta,
Vel qui praetextas, vel qui docuere togatas.
Nec virtute foret clarisve potentius armis,
Q,uam lingua, Latium, si non offenderet unum- 290
«quemque poetarum lim33 labor et mora. Vos, o
21*
246 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Pompilius sanguis, carinen reprehendite quod non
Multa dies et multa litufa cOercuit, atque
Praesectum decies non castigavit ad unguem."
Ingenium misera quia fortunatius arte 295
Credit, et excludit sanos Helicone poetas,
Democritus, bona pars non ungues ponere curat,
Non barbam, secreta petit loca, bamea vitat.
Nanciscetur enim pretium nomenque poetae,
Si tribus Anticyris caput insanabile nunquam 300
Tonsori Licino commiserit. O ego laevus,
Qui purgor bilem sub verni temporis horam !
Non alius faceret meliora poemata : verum
Nil tanti est. Ergd fungar vice cotis, acutum
Reddere quse ferrum valet, exsors ipsa secandi : 305
Munus et officium, nil scribens ipse, docebo ;
Unde parentur opes ; quid alat formetque poetam ;
Quid deceat, quid non ; quo virtus, quo ferat error.
Scribendi recte sapere est et principium et fons.
Rem tibi Socraticae poterunt ostendere chartae : 310
Verbaque provisam rem non invita sequentur.
Q,ui didicit patriae quid debeat, et quid amicis,
Q,uo sit amore parens, quo frater amandus, et hospes,
Quod sit conscripti, quod judicis officium, quae
Partes in bellum missi ducis ; ille profecto 315
Reddere^personse scit convenientia cuique.
Respicere exemplar vitae morumque jubebo
Doctum imitatorem, et veras hinc ducere voces.
Interdum speciosa locis morataque recte
Fabula, nullius veneris, sine pondere et arte, 3*20
Valdius oblectat populum meliusque moratur,
Q,uam versus inopes rerum, nugaeque canorae. /
Graiis ingenium, Graiis dedit ore rotundo
Musa loqui, praeter laudem nullius avaris :
Romani pueri longis rationibus assem 3:25
ARS POETICA. 247
Discunt in partes centum diducere. " Dicat
Filius Albini, si de quincunce remota est
Uncia, quid superat ? " " Poteras dixisse, Triens." " Eu !
Rem poteris servare tuam. Redit uncia, quid fit? M
" Semis." An, haec animos aerugo et cura peculi 330
Quum semel imbuerit, speramus carmina fingi
Posse linenda cedro, et levi servanda cupresso ?
Aut prodesse volunt, aut delectare, poetae, •'
Aut simul et jucunda et idonea dicere vitae.
Quidquid praecipies, esto brevis ; ut cito dicta 335
Percipiant animi dociles teneantque fideles :
Omne supervacuum pleno de pectore manat.
Ficta voluptatis causa sint proxima veris :
Nec, quodcunque volet, poscat sibi fabula credi ;
Neu pransae Lamiae yivum puerum extrahat alvcwT^ 340
Centuriae seniorum agitant expertia frugis ; ^
Celsi praetereunt austera poemata Rhamnes :
Omne tulit p^unctum, qui miscuit utile dulci,
Lectorem delectando pariterque monendo.
Hic meret aera liber Sosiis ; hic et mare transit, 345
Et longum noto scriptori prbrogat aevum.
Sunt delicta tamen quibus ignovisse velimus :
Nam neque chorda sonum reddit quem vult manus et
mens,
Poscentique gravem persaepe remittit acutum ;
Nec semper feriet quodcunque minabitur arcus. 350
Verum, ubi plura nitent in carmine, non ego paucis
Offendar maculis, quas aut incuria fudit,
Aut humana parum cavit natura. — Q,uid ergo est ? —
Ut scriptor si peccat idem librarius usque, •
Q,uamvis est monitus, venia caret ; et citharcedus 355
Ridetur, chorda qui semper oberrat eadem :
Sic mihi, qui multum cessat, fit Choerilus ille,
duem bis terque bonum cum risu miror ; et idem
248 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Indignor, quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus. /
Verum operi longo fas est obrepere somnum. 360
Ut pictura, poesis ; erit quse, si propius stes, \
Te capiet magis, et quaedam, si longius abstes.
Haec amat obscurum ; volet haec sub luce videri,
Judicis argutum quee non formidat acumen :
Hsec placuit semel, haec decies repetita placebit. 365
O major juvenum, quamvis et voce paterna
Fingeris ad rectum, et per te sapis, hoc tibi dictum
Tolle memor : certis medium et tolerabile rebus
Recte concedi. Consultus juris, et actor
Causarum mediocris, abest virtute diserti 370
Messalae, nec scit quantum Cascellius Aulus ;
Sed tamen in pretio est : mediocribus esse poetis
Non homines, non di, non concessere columnae.
"Ut gratas inter mensas symphonia discors,
Et crassum unguentum, et Sardo cum melle papaver
Offendunt, poterat duci quia coena sine istis ; 376
Sic animis natum inventumque poema juvandis,
\ Si paulum a summo discessit, vergit ad imum.
Ludere qui nescit, campestribus abstinet armis,
In<k)ctusque pilae diseive trochive quiescit, 380
Ne spissae risum tollant impune coronae :
Clui nesjcit, versu^/ tamen audet fingere ! — duidni 1
Liber et ingenuus, prsesertim census equestrem
Summam nummorum, vitioque remotus ab omni. —
Tu nihil invita dices faciesve Minerva ; 385
Id tibi judicium est, ea mens : si quid tamen olim
Scripseris, in Metii descendat judicis aures,
Et patris, et nostras ; nonumque prematur in annum.
Membranis intus positis, delere licebit
-Qjaod non edideris ; nescit vox missa reverti. 390
Silvestres fcomines sacer interpresque deorum
Caedibus et victu fedo deterruit Orpheus ;
ARS POETICA. 249
Dictus ob hoc lenire tigres rabidosque leones :
Dictus et Amphion, Thebanae conditor arcis,
Saxa movere sono testudinis, et prece blanda 395
Ducere quo vellet. Fuit hsec sapientia quondam,
Publica privatis secernere. sacra profanis,
Concubitu prohibere vago, dare jura maritis,
Oppida moliri, leges incidere ligno.
Sic honor et nomen divinis vatibus atque 400
Carminibus venit. Post hos insignis Homerus
Tyrtasusque mares animos in Martia bella
Versibus exacuit ; dictas per carmina sortes ;
Et vitae monstraia via est ; et gratia regum
Pieriis tentata modis ; ludusque repertus, 405
Et longorum operum finis : ne forte pudori
Sit tibi Musa lyrae solers, et cantor Apollo.
Natura fieret iaudabile carmen, an arte,
Q,ua3situm est. Ego nec studium sine divite vena,
Nec rude quid possit video ingenium : alterius sic 410
Altera poscit opem res, et conjurat amice. /
Q,ui studet optatam cursu contingere metam,
Multa tulit fecitque puer ; sudavit et alsit ;
Abstinuit Venere et vino : qui Pythia cantat
Tibicen, didicit prius, extimuitque magistrum. 415
Nec satis est dixisse : " Ego mira pofmata pango :
Occupet extremum scabies ; mihi turpe reiinqui est,
Et, quod non didici, sane nescire fateri."
Ut pra3co ad merces turbam qui cogit emendas,
Assentatores jubet ad lucrum ire poeta 420
Dives agris, dives positis in foenore nummis.
Si vero est unctum qui recte ponere possit,
Et spondere levi pro paupere, et eripere atris
Litibus implicitum, mirabor si sciet inter-
noscere mendacem verumque beatus amicum. 425
Tu, seu donaris, seu quid donare velis cui,
250 Q- HORATII FLACCI
Nolito ad versus tibi factos ducere plenum
Laetitise ; clamabit enim, " Pulchre ! bene ! recte ! "
Pallescet super his ; etiam stillabit amicis
Ex oculis rorem ; saliet, tundet pede terram. 430
Ut, qui conducti plorant in funere, dicunt
Et faciunt prope plura dolentibus ex animo ; sic
Derisor vero plus laudatore movetur. *
Reges dicuntur multis urgere culullis,
Et torquere mero, quem perspexisse laborent, 435
An sit amicitia dignus : si carmina condes,
Nunquam te fallant animi sub vulpe latentes.
Quinctilio si quid recitares, " Corrige, sodes,
Hoc," aiebat, " et hoc." Melius te posse negares,
Bis terque expertum frustra ; delere jubebat, 440
Et male tornatos incudi reddere versus.
Si defendere delictum, quam vertere, malles,
Nullum ultra verbum, aut operam sumebat inanem,
Quin sine rivali teque et tua solus amares.
Vir bonus et prudens versus reprehendet inertes, 445
Culpabit duros, incomptis allinet atrum
Transverso calamo signum, ambitiosa recidet
Ornamenta, parum claris lucem dare coget,
Arguet ambigue dictum, mutanda notabit :
Fiet Aristarchus ; non dicet, " Cur ego amicum 450
Offendam in nugis 1 " Hss nugse seria ducent
In mala derisum semel exceptumque sinistre.
- Ut mala quem scabies aut morbus regius urget,
Aut fanaticus error, et iracunda Diana ; **
Vesanum tetigisse timent fugiuntque poetam, 455
Qui sapiunt ; agitant pueri, incautique sequuntur.
Hic, dum sublimes versus ructatur, et errat,
Si veluti merulis intentus decidit auceps
In puteum foveamve, licet, " Succurrite," longum
Clamet, " Io cives ! " non sit qui tollere curet. 460
ARS POETICA. 251
Si curet quis opem ferre et demittere funem,
" Qui scis an prudens huc se dejecerit, atque
Servari nolit 1 " dicam ; Siculique poetae
Narrabo interitum : " deus immortalis haberi
Dum cupit Empedocles, ardentem frigidus iEtnam 465
Insiluit. Sit jus, liceatque perire poetis :
Invitum qui servat, idem facit occidenti :
Nec semel hoc fecit : nec, si retractus erit, jarn
Fiet homo, et ponet famosae mortis amorem.
Nec satis apparet cur versus factitet ; utriim 470
Minxerit in patrios cineres, an triste bidental
Moverit incestus : certe furit, ac, velut ursus
Objectos caveae valuit si frangere clathros,
Indoctum doctumque fugat recitator acerbus ;
Quem vero arripuit, tenet, occiditque legendo, 475
Non missura cutem, nisi plena cruoris, hirudo."
A KEY
TO THE METRES USED BY HORACE.
Horace uses twenty different kinds of Measure, or varie-
ties of Metre. These are combined in si?deen different
ways, forming of course sixteen different Strophes, or
Stanzas.* In order to know to which of these combina-
tions any ode belongs, we have only to find the first words
of that ode in the following Alphabetical Index ; and against
them is placed the number of the combination to which
it belongs, and according to which it must be scanned.
For instance ; suppose it were desired to know the kind of
verse contained in the first Ode of the first Book ; look in
the Alphabetical Index on page 254, and find in that the
first words, Mcecenas atavis ; and against them stands VII.
No. VII, then, of the Combinations on page 25G, informs you
that the verse is Asclepiadean ; and shows you how it may
be scanned. In the same way the method of scanning
every ode in Horace may be known, by finding the first
words of it in the Index, and referring to the number against
it, in the Combinations.
* A Strophe or Stanza includes as many lines as are necessary to
show all the different kinds of measure in an ode. It is called Strophe,
which in Greek literally means a turning, hecause at the end of it, you
tum back to the same kind of verse with which you began.
22
254
ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO THE ODES,
EXHIBITING THE FIRST WORDS OF EACH, AND THE NUMBER OF
THE STANZA ACCORDING TO WHICH EACH IS TO BE SCANNED.
iEli, vetusto
^Equam memento
Altera jam teritur
Angustam amice
At, o deorum .
Audivere, Lyce
Bacchum in remotis
Beatus ille
Ccelo supinas
Coelo tonantem
Cur me querelis
Delicta majorum
Descende coelo
Dianam tenerae
Diffugere nives
Dive, quem proles
Divis orte bcnis
Donarem pateras .
Eheu ! fugaces
Est mihi nonum
Et thure et iidibus
Exegi monumentum
Faune, Nympharum
Festo quid potiiis die
Herculis ritu
Horrida tempestas
Ibis Liburnis
IcCi beatis
Ille et nefasto .
Impios parrae
Inclusam Danaen
Intactis opulentior
Integer vitae
Jam jam efficaci
Jam pauca aratro
Jam satis terris
Jam veris comites
Justum ac tenacem
Laudabunt alii .
Lupis et agnis
Lydia, dic per omnes
Maecenas atavis
Mala soluta
Mariiis ccelebs
Mercuri, facunde
Mercuri, nam te
Montium custos
Motum ex Metello
Musis amicus
Natis in usum
fo. I
Ne forte credas
. No.I
I
Nolis longa ferae .
. V
XII
Non ebur, neque aureum
. XVI
I
Non semper imbres
. I
IV
Non usitata
I
VI
Nullam, Vare, sacra
. IX
I
Nullus argento
II
IV
Nunc est bibendum
. I
I
0 crudelis adhuc
. IX
I
0 diva, gratum
. I
I
0 fons Bandusiae
. VI
I
0 matre pulchra .
. I
I
0 nata mecum .
I
VI
0 navis, referent .
. VI
XIII
0 s«pe mecum
I
. II
0 Venus, regina .
. II
V
Odi profanum
I
VII
Otium divos
. II
I
Parcus deorum
I
. II
Parentis olim
. IV
III
Pastor quum traheret
V
VII
Persicos odi, puer
. J[I
II
Phcebe, silvarumque
II
. III
Phcebus volentem
. I
II
Pindarum quisquis
II
XIV
Poscimur, si quid .
. II
IV
Qupe curaPatrum
I
. I
Qualem ministrum
. I
I
Quando repostum
IV
. 11
Quantum distet ab Inach
3 . III
V
Quem tu, Melpomene
III
. III
Quem virum aut heroa .
. II
II
Quid bellicosus
I
. X
Quid dedicatum
. I
I
Quid immerentes
IV
. II
Quis desiderio
. V
V
Qu6 me, Bacche
. III
. I
Qu6, quo scelesti ruitis
. *IV
VIII
Rectius vives
II
. IV
Scriberis Vaiio
. V
XI
Septimi, Gades .•
II
VII
Sic te diva potens
. III
IV
Solvitur acris hiems .
. XV
. II
Te maris et terrae .
VIII
II
Tu ne qusesieris
. IX
. II
Tyrrhena regum
. I
II
Velox amcenum
I
. I
Vides ut alta . .
. I
I
Vile potabis
II
. I
Vixi choreis
. I
255
COMBINATION OF METRES.
THE VARIOUS COMBIJVATIONS OF THE DIFFERENT METRES.
No. I. The stanza of four lines. The first two are
greatcr Alcaic, measured thus : a spondee or iambus, an
iambus with a caesura, then two dactyles ; as,
Vldes ut alta stet nive candidum.
III I
The third line is Archilochian, measured thus : the first
and third feet are spondees or iambi ; the second and fourth,
iambi, with a csesura remaining ; as,
Silvse laborantes geluque.
The fourth line is lesser Alcaic, measured by two dactyles
and two trochees ; as,
Fluurina constlterlnt aciito.
III
This is called the Horatian stanza, because Horace dc-
lighted in it above all others. More than one third of his
odes are in this stanza.
No. II. The stanza of four lines. The first three lines
are Sapphic, measured by a trochee, spondee, dactyle, and
then two trochees ; as,
Jam satls terrls nlvis atque dlrae.
.11 II
The fourth line is Adonic, consisting of a dactyle and spon-
dee ; as,
Terruit urbem.
I
No. III. The stanza of two lines. The first is Glyconic,
measured by a spondee, choriambus, and pyrrhichius ; as,
Slc te dlva potens Cypri.
I I
Or thus ; Slc te dlva potens Cvprl.
II
The second is Asclepiadean, consisting of a spondee, two
choriambi, and a pyrrhichius ; as,
Slc fratres Helenae lucida sldera.
Or thus ; Slc fratres Helenas lucida sldera.
I III
256 COMBINATION OF METRES.
No. IV. The stanza of two lines. The first has six
iambi, the second has four. But sometiraes a spondee,
dactyle, anapsest, or tribrachys, is admitted into the odd
places ; that is, in the first, third, and fifth. A tribrachys
is also found in the even places. The first nine Epodes are
in this stanza.
No. V. The stanza of four lines ; three Asclepiads and
one Glyconic. See No. III.
No. VI. The stanza of four lines. The first two are
Asclepiadean, the third is Pherecratian, consisting of a
spondee, dactyle, and spondee ; as,
Grato Pyrrha siib antro.
I I
The fourth line is Glyconic, No. III.
No. VII. The stanza of one line. Asclepiadean ; mea-
sured by a spondee, two choriambi, and a pyrrhichius ; as,
Maecenas atavls edlte regibus.
I l I
Or more easily, by a spondee, a dactyle, and a caesura,
and then two dactyles ; thus,
Mcecenas atavls edite reglbus.
llll
No. VIII. The stanza of two lines. A hcxameter, anc
the last four feet of a hexameter ; as,
Laudabtint alil claram Rhodon aut Mitylenen.
II! II
Aut Ephesum bimarisve Corlnthl.
I I i
No. IX. The stanza of one line, measured by a spondee,
three choriambi, and a pyrrhichius ; as,
Tu ne quaesierls sclre nefas quem mihi quem tibi.
III I
No. X. The stanza of one line, containing six iambi, or
other feet, in the odd places.
COMBINATION OF METRES. 257
No. XI. The stanza of tvvo lines. The first is measured
by a choriambus and a bacchlus ; the second, by three
choriambi and a bacchius.
Lydia Jlc per omnes,
1
Te Deos oro Sybarin cur properes amando.
Ill
Observe, however, in the second line, that the first choriam-
bus is imperfect, having its third syllable long instead of
short.
No. XII. The stanza of two lines ; the first line hexameter,
the second containing six iambi, admitting other feet in the
odd places.
No. XIII. The stanza of two lines ; the first a hexame-
ter, the second having tvvo dactyles and a caesura ; as,
Arboribusque comse.
No. XIV. The stanza of three lines. The first is a hex-
ameter ; the second has four iambi, admitting spondees in
the odd places ; and the third line has tvvo dactyles and a
csesura, as in the preceding No.
No. XV. The stanza of tvvo lines. The first line con-
tains seven feet, of vvhich the first four are either dactyles
or spondees ; the last three are trochees ; as,
Solvitur acris hiems grata vice veris et Favoni.
The second line has five iambi and a remaining syllable,
admitting spondees as before ; as,
Trahuntque slccas machinse carlnas.
I l I l I
No. XVI. The stanza of tvvo lines. The flrst has three
iambi, preceded by a long syllable ; as,
Non ebur nequ' aureum.
lll
The second has five iambi and a csesura, admitting
spondees in the odd places.
oo*
NOTES.
BOOK I.
ODE I.
This ode was written by Horace, after the completion of his
works, as a dedication of them to Msecenas, his patron and
friend. The poet describes with much felicity the different
views of men with respect to happiness ; and pourtrays some of
their ruling passions. In conelusion he compliments Msece-
nas on his taste for the fine arts, and his love of learning,
by intimating that he shall not consider his own claims to rank
with the Lyric poets established, without the sanction of his
judgment.
1. Atavis edite regibus : l descended of royal ancestors.'
Msecenas, so long distinguished as the favourite of Augustus,
and still more so for the protection and encouragement which
he afforded to men of learning and of genius, was descended
from the ancient kings of Etruria or Tuscany. To him, says
Mr. Sanadon, the present world is in a great measure indebted
for all the wit and learning of the Augustan age ; and even at
this day the name of Msecenas is a title not unworthy of persons
of the noblest character, who know, like him, how to animate
the spirit of emulation among writers by their favour and gene-
rosity.
2. O ct prctsidium : With much propriety Horace addresses
him as his guardian and delightful horour ; since Msecenas not
only procured his pardon from Augustus, for fighting against
him with Brutus and the republicans at Philippi, but even
broughthim into peculiar favour with that illustrious personage.
6. Dominos : this word must be referred to deos ; and is not
the object ofevehit, as some have eupposed, applying it to the
Romans.
7. Hunc: sc.juvat; i. e. one ambitious of political distinction.
8. Tergeminis tollere honoribus : ' to raise him to the highest
honours.' The word tergeminis is probably used in reference
to the highest grades of ornce among the Romans, viz. the
iEdileship, the Praetorship, and the Consulship.
9. lllum : sc. juvat ; i. e. another, whose ruling passion is
wealth.
10. Quidquid . . . areis : l all the grain that is collected from
Lybian threshing-floors.' Lybia was a part of Africa particu-
larly fertile in grain.
ODES. BOOK I. 259
12. Attalicis conditionibus : ■ by the wealth of Attalus ; ' he
was king of Pergamus, and immensely rich. Having no chil-
dren, he made the commonwealth of Rome his heir.
13. Nunquam dimoveas : 'you can never induce.' — Trabe
Cyprid : ' in a vessel of Cyprus.' This epithet is used because
Cyprus was at that time so distinguished for its commerce.
14. Myrtoum : The Myrtoan sea is a part of the iEgean, so
called from the island Myrtus.
20. Solido . . . die : i. e. to break in upon the hours of the day
usually devoted to labour, and indulge in drinking at his ease..
25. Sub Jove frigido : by remaining all night 'in the cold air'
the huntsman shows the strength of his ruling passion.
29. J\le : Wakefield and some others think that the whole
tenour of the ode requires Te in this place, as referring to the
poefs patron Moecenas, and have substituted that word : but the
manuscripts do not authorize this change. The meaning pro-
bably is, the ivy crowns, bestoived as the rexcard of learned men
(or of successful poets), delight me above all ihings.
34. Lesboiim : Horace calls the lyre ' Lesbian,' because Al-
caBus, the most eminent of the lyric poets, and some others, be-
longed to Lesbos,
For an explanation of the kind of verse used in this and the
subsequent odes, the student is referred to the metrical key.
ODE II.
The early commentators were no doubt in an error in sup-
posing this ode to have been written in compliment to Octavius
upon tlie prodigies, which appeared soon after the assassination
of his uncle Julius Caesar. For at that time Horace was at
Athens, and he afterwards espoused the cause of Brutus ; and
it is hardly probable while enlisted under his banners that the
poet would have addressed a prayer for the preservhtion of Oc-
tavius, or invoked vengeance upon hi3 own party.
The following historical facts, mentioned by Dion Cassius,
explain several passages in the ode, and give a much more
natural occasion for writing it.
Octavius received the surname of Augustus on the 17th of
January in the year of Rome 727 ; and on the night following
there was a very uncommon inundation of the Tiber. A short
time before this, Octavius had addressed the Senate, and inti-
mated his intention of resigning the supreme power. He said
his object in assuming it was to avenge the death of Caesar, and
to free Rome from the calamities under which it was suffering.
The poet therefore avails himself of these incidents to ad-
dress Augustus, as the tutelary divinity of Rome ; and after
complimenting him very delicately under the character of Mer-
cury, exhorts him to cherish the blessings of peace at home,
and to defend the Roman people frora foreign foes.
260
NOTES.
6. Scecuhun Pyrrhce : Pyrrha was the wife of Deucalion, king
of Thessaly, in whose time the Deluge came. Pyrrha may well
be thought to have complained of k strange prodigies,' which
tlie Romans were apprehensive were about to be renewed.
13. Flavum . . . undis : The Tiber iscalled 'yellow' from the
colour of the sand which it blended with its waters when agi-
tated.— Retortis : ' being driven back.' The Tiber flows mto
the Tuscan sea, which, being driven up by a violent tempest
against the current of the river already swollen by rains and
snow, seemed to flow backward.— Littore Etrusco : ' from the
shore of the Tuscan sea.'
15. Monumenta regis : i. e. the monument of Numa Fom-
pilius. . . . „.
17. llioe : the construction is, dum amms uxorius jactat llias,
nimium querenti, se fore ultorem necis Csesaris et vaguslabi-
tur ripd sinistrd, Jove non probante. Iha, called also Rhea
Silvia, was the mother of Romulus. She was thrown by Amu-
lius into the Tiber, or rather into the Anio, near where lt emp-
ties into the Tiber, which is therefore called her husband, and
made to avenge her wrongs. Ilia may be said to have carned
her complaints concerning the death of Csesar too far ; smce
they brought such destruction upon Rome ; which Jupiter, as
its tutelary divinity, did not approve. p
Doering considers nimium an adjective agreemg with ulto-
rem ; " nimium non ad querenti, sed ad ultorem referendum esse
puto ; nimius enim fuit ultor Tiberis, sive modum in ulciscendo
uxons suae dolore excessit, dum tantam ruinam Romae sedificns
moliebatur." This certainly appears very consistent.
Rome was chiefly built on the left or Eastern bank ot the li-
ber, sinistrd ripd, which, being somewhat lower than the other,
was peculiarly exposed to the inundation.
23 Vitio parenium : i. e. the youth would be few m number
in consequenfee of the civil wars in which their fathers en-
^27 'Miniis audientem : Vesta was displeased with the Ro-
mans', on account of the death of Csesarand of the civil wars in
which they engaged.
36. Auctor : i. e. Mars, who, as the father of Romulus, was
considered the founderofthe Roman nation. _
41. Mutatd juvenemjlgurd : i. e. having assumed the torm ot
the youthful Augustus.
42. Ales . . . fikte Maios : Mercury.
ODE III.
Horace and Virgil were closely united by the bonds of affec-
tion and friendship, as well as by similarity of taste and kindred
^This^ode was written on the embarkation of Virgil for
Athens, where he expected to meet the Emperor, on his return
ODES. BOOK I. 261
from Asia. Virgil had intended to accompany Augustus in
his Eastern expedition ; but was prevented by ill health. He
hovvever met him at Athens, but he was soon after taken ill at
Megara, and brougbt back to Italy at his own request, and
landed at Brundusium ; where he died a few days after. So
that this was in fact Horace's farewell address to his friend.
He expresses great interest and feeling on the occasion; and
even goes so far as to execrate the invention of ships, and to
call the art of navigation impious, as violating the intention of
the gods.
2. Fratres Helenai : Castor and Pollux, sons of Leda.
3. Ventorum . . . pater : i. e. iEolus, whom Homer represents
as confining the winds in a bag, and Virgil as confining them
in a cave.
4. Iapyga : The Idpyx was a westerly wind, and the most
favourable for those sailing from Ital.y to Athens. So called
from Iapyges, the inhabitants of Apulia, from which this wind
blew towards Athens.
14. Hyadas : The Hyddes are a constellation at the head of
the Bull, commonly known by the name of the Seven Stars.
They are called tristes, because their rising and setting are
frequently attended with rain.
18. JSlonstra natantia : ' the hideous monsters of the deep
swimming around him.' The ancients feared above all things
a death which deprived them of a burial ; as in that case they
were not permitted to pass the Styx and be at rest, for a hun-
dred years.
20. Acroceraunia : from ilxgov, ' the summit,' and xiguwog, ' thun-
der ' ; a high promontory in Epirus, between the Hadriatic and
tlie Ionian sea, whose summit was often struck with thunder :
called infames, because Augustus came near being shipwrecked
there.
26. Nrfas : l O impious ! ' This pointing was adopted by Didot
to avoid the flatness of joining vetitum with nefas, in the usual
way.
27. Iapeti genus : i. e. Prometheus. See Class. Dict.
32. Semoti . . . gradum : ' and the necessity of death, before
slow and at a distance, quickened its step.'
ODE IV.
In the first part of this ode the poet describes the joy and
beauty of returning spring. He proceeds to exhort his friend
Sextius to seize the pleasures that offer themselves, and accord-
ing to the philosophy of the Epicureans, he reminds him of the
shortness of ]ife, as a motive for enjoying present gratifications.
5. Cytherea choros ducit Venus : this refers to the feasts of
Venus, which were celebrated by young women with dances
and hymns in honour of the goddess. They began on the first
262 NOTES.
of April at the rising of the moon, imminente lund, and continued
three nights successively.
11. Immolare : So deeply were the ancient heathens im-
pressed with the idea of the goodness of some overruling power,
manifested in the return of the seasons, that they offered stated
sacrifices in gratitude for this proof of continued care.
18. JVon regna . . . talis : ' you will not choose a king of
the feast by a cast of the dice.' This refers to the practice of
choosing some one to preside over them at their feasts, whom
they were all bound to obey, and obliged to drink as he direct-
ed. This person was styled ' king ' ; and was chosen by throwing
the dice, which had on their different sides the figures of
Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Apollo, Venus, and Diana. He who first
threw a Venus presided.
ODE V.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was a distinguished general,
and so much esteemed by Augustus, that he gave him his
daughter Julia in marriage. Agrippa wished his achievements
to be celebrated by Horace, who, while he excuses himself
from the more laborious and responsible task of writing a for-
mal poem, ingeniously pays him the most flattering compliment.
He intimates that Agrippa's martial glory deserves the strains
of a loftier genius than his own ; that his was the lyric muse,
and fit only for light or trifling subjects ; but that Varius, gifted
with the sublimest inspirations of the epic muse, would sing his
praises in strains worthy of the subject.
Most commentatois have thought this ode merely an excuse
of Horace for not doing that which he had no disposition to
do. But the fulness of the praises bestowed renders this
conjecture superfluous. It is probably only an instance, among
many, of his artfully performing what he pretends to decline
doing.
2. Mxonii carminis aliti : ' that bird of Homeric strains.'
Aliti refers to Vario, in the dative case, used instead of the ab-
lative ; as neque cernitur ulli, for ab ullo. Virg. iEn. I. 440.
Homer belonged to Smyrna, a city of Maaonia, or Lydia.
7. Duplicis : ' crafty, double-dealing.' This epithet is very
aptly applied to Ulysses. The genitive Ulyssei comes from
Ulysseus, tbe ancient form.
8. JVec . . . domum : i. e. nor the cruel murders committed by
the family of Pelops, which have furnished so fruitful a subject
for the tragic muse of Sophocles.
ODE VL
L. Munatius Plancus, a gentleman of fortune and of consular
dignity, had joined the republican party with Brutus and Cas-
ODES. BOOK I. 263
sius i ; but after the defeat of his party at Philippi he joined Au-
gustus He was cordially received, and treated with great
frS b/.Augustus; but being afterwards induced by the
fnends of Antony to believe, that with the aid of Cleopatra the
repubhcans might still be successful, he went over to^Antony!
He found, however, that things were less favourable than thev
had been represented, and returned again to the ruling party.
After this he was not very cordially received by Au<4tus
And feelmg that he did not stand well at court, he retfred to
his country seat at Tibur. Here, probably, under some appre-
hensions for his safety Plancus became melancholy and £.
py. Horace, his fnend, writes this ode to him ; offerinff such
reasons as his ingenuity suggested, to induce him to abandon
h s ,11 bochngs and become cheerful. A social glass with his
chol ' ^78' mUCh t0Wards removW his melan-
InLtf1» Un U?Um °Pus.est: <whose only employment is.'-
lntacta? Palladis arces : ,. e. Athens.
7. Undique decerptam : i. e. '-gathered from any quarter.' But
th,s ,s not very satisfactory Doering and some^ other read
Indtque which removes the difficulty felt by all commentators
Ihat is, they spend their time in celebrating- Athens, a*id in
thenc? ^ *** the °Uve Wreaths gath^ed from
^f^/T?^ ih°noremJ rAr-os and MycenaB are said to be
celebrated ',,, honor of Juno,' because she was particularly
worshipped m these cties. ^
10. Patiens : This epithet is applied to Lacedeemon in allu-
Sed0 andtoetVherirV °f *FPr l° Which *S inhabitants ^
mittea, ana to the ngour of lts laws
11. Percussit: <has charmed.' The poet means to sav
after al, none of these places have so much delighted me as
your de hghtful residence at Tibur, near the fountain of l\hul
nea; where the cascades, the groves, the melody of birds and
a pure atmosphere, unite their charms. '
21; Teucer . . fugeret : • when Teucer fled from his native
Salamis and from his father.' Telamon, king of Salamis sent
h,s two sons Teucer and Ajax, to the Trojan war, undTr 'an iS
mnction that ne,ther should return without his brother When
Teucer returned, after the death of Ajax, he was banished bv hS
father and went to Cyprus, where he 'built another Salamis
The poet here remmds Plancus, that Teucer did not aTow
himselftobedepressed, although banished from his home and
country ; and that he, therefore, should call some of hisTriends
about h,m, and regain his elasticity of spirit.
father.' ^™ parenU "' ' f°rtune' more kind than ™Y
shwi^TTtl1 ^ W°uld build a new Sala^is, which
name" o^llTe^ t0 "^" ft "^' t0 which the
264 NOTES.
ODE VII.
In this ode, addressed to Lydia, a female of great beauty, but
of worthless character, Horace draws the picture of a youth
who has become the victim of a deep and destructive passion.
2. Sybarin . . . perdere : ' why are you hastening to destroy
Sybaris by cherishing his guilty passion ? '
Sybaris, a youtli of fortune and of ingenuous character, hav-
ingyielded to the allurements of sensuality, had abandoned his
manly exercises and his former companions, and was hastening
to destruction by that fatal infatuation which has led more
youths to perdition than the whole catalogue of other vices.
G. Lupatis: the Romans had a kind of curb bits called/rceni
lupati, from their resemblance to the uneven teeth of a wolf,
lupus.
8. OUvum : the ancients anointed their bodies with oil before
commencing their gymnastic exercises.
10. Livida : i. e. bruised by wearing heavy armour.
14. Filium . . . Thetidis : Achilles. Thetis, the mother of
Achilles, was warned by an oracle, that, if he went to the siege
of Troy with the ofher Grecian princes, he would be slain there.
To prevent him from going, she caused him to be clad in female
attire, and sent to the court of Lycomedes, that he might pass
for one of his daughters and escape discovery. But as another
oracle had declared that Troy could never be taken without
Achilles, Ulysses was sent in quest of him, and had the art to
discover him by placing a splendid sword among some female
ornaments exhibited before the daughters of Lycomedes, which
was instantly seized by Achilles.
16. Cultus : his dress : i. e. a boy's dress.
ODE VIII.
It would seem, from the tenour of this ode, that something had
happened to disturb and depress the mind of Thaliarchus ; and
that Horace, probably at this time on a visit to him at his coun-
try seat, near mount Soracte in Tuscany, about twenty-six
miles from Rome, wrote it to enliven his friend.
It is highly coloured with our poefs Epicurean principles, and
especially enforces his favourite doctrine, that man should not
trouble himself about futurity, and that all he has to do is to
make the most of present enjoyments, and to leave the rest to
the gods.
Some have supposed Thaliarchus to be a fictitious name ; and
that the whole is an imitation of an ode of Alcseus.
8. Diotd : this was an earthen vessel, containing about nine
gallons, with two ears, or handles, by which it was carried.—
Sabind: i. e. in-which Sabine wine has been put.
ODES. BOOK I. 2G5
14. Quewi . . . appone : ' every day which fortune shall be-
stow, set down to your gain.' — Quemcunque is divided by Tmesis.
16. Puer: 4 while young.'
18. Campus, et arece : i. e. the Campus Martius, and other
open places, as courts and squares, in which the young of both
sexes used to meet for play.
19. Lenesque . . . susurri: i. e. the soft whispers oflovers, who
met at^these scenes of youthful recreation.
ODE IX.
This is a hymn to Mercury, supposed to have been written for
one of his festivals. There seems to be nothing remarkable in
it, except its peculia* elegance of expression, and its great
sweetness and harmony of numbers. It is devoted to the praises
of Mercury, and repeats his titles, and exalts his services. He
is represented as fashioning the first race of men, and culti-
vating their understandings by the study of the arts and sci-
ences ; while he forms their bodies to grace and strength by the
exercises of the palcestra.
1. JYepos Atlantis : Mercury was the son of Jupiter and Maia,
the daughter of Atlas.
2. Recentum : i. e. rude and uncultivated in the early ages.
6. Lyroe, parentem : Mercury is said to have invented the
lyre from accidentally finding a tortoise-shell on a beach, with
nothing of the body remaining but a few sinews, stretched
across the shell. These produced a sound as the wind swept
through them, and conveyed the idea which gave birth to the
Lyre, called testudo from this circumstance. Lyric poets are
also called viri JSlercuriales, as if under the peculiar guardian-
ship of Mercury.
11. Viduus pharetrd : i. e. a long time ago, when you were
but a boy, and Apollo was terrifying you with his threats, to
make you restore the cows you had mischievously conveyed
away ; he perceived you had stolen his quiver also, and burst
into a laugh.
13. Atridas . . .fefellit: Homersays thatPriam went through
the Grecian camp, with his presents for the redemption of the
body of his son Hector, unseen by the sentinels and every other
person, till he arrived at the tent of Achilles.
14. llio : The Latins used llium in the neuter gender, and
Jlios, in the feminine.
ODE X.
Leuconoe" is probably a fictitious name, under which some
favourite of the poet is addressed. He entreats her to avoid the
foolish and wicked custom, which at that time prevailed at Rome,
of consulting astrologers to know the future ; and endeavours to
23
266 NOTES.
show, that true wisdom consists in doing our duty and enjoying
present blessings, without troubling ourselves about what is
beyond our power to know.
1. Tu ne qucesieris : ' do not attempt to discover.' <
2. Nec Babylonios . . . numeros : ' nor try the Babylonian
numbers.' The Chaldeans were famous for their skill in mathe-
matics, and particularly in astronomy. And some of them pre-
tended that they could foretell, by their knowledg-e of the stars,
the fortunes of any one, the time of whose nativity was given
them. Their influence became so baneful and mischievous, that
they were banished from Italy by a formal decree.
They had a set of tables for casting nativities, which Horace
terms Babylonios tentare numeros.
5. Qwce . . . Tyrrhenum : ' which now dashes the waves of
the Tuscan sea against the rocky shores.' By pumicibus we
may understand the rocks corroded and worn away, so as to re-
semble pumice stones. — Debilitat : ' weakens, or exhausts the fu-
ry of,' by dashing against the rocks.
6. Liques : The ancients used to filtrate their wine, to ren-
der it more pure and delicate.
7. Reseces : ' forbear to indulge.'
ODE XI.
This ode has been called by some a hymn to Jupiter. The
principal object, however, seems to have been the exaltation of
Augustus, which is most effectually accomplished, though indi-
rectly, by blending his praises with those of the gods and of
deified heroes.
Dion, Book XV, says, that, after the victory at Actium, in
which Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and the Egvptian fleet were
defeated, it was decreed by the senate, that mention of Augus-
tus should be made in their solemn hymns, as well as of
the immortal gods. This may account for the peculiarity of
this ode.
4. lmago : i. e. echo, the 'image' of the voice.
7. Unde : ' from which mountain.' — vocalem: 'while sing-
ing.'
13. Quid priiis . . . laudibus : ' what shall I celebrate before
the wonted praises of Jupiter, parent of all?'
16. Horis : ' seasons.'
18. Simile aut secundum : ' equal or second in glory.'
19. Proximos : although no one should hold the second
or third place, yet whoever filled the fourth place would
be next to him who held the first. So Pallas, however
far removed from Jove, holds precedence of the other di-
vinities.
S2. Virgo : Diana, the huntress.
26. Hunc : Castor. — Illum : Pollux.
31. Voluere: i. e. Castor and Pollux.
ODES. BOOK I. 267
38. Superante Pceno : i. e. when Hannibal, the Carthaginian,
was victorious at Cannae.
41. Hunc . . . utilem : ' this Fabricius, and Curius Dentatus,
with hair uncombed, a valiant warrior.' Curius disdained the
refinements of polished society, as marks of effeminacy.
43. JJpto . . . cum lare : ' with a house proportioned to his
farm.' It was a common remark of Curius, that he was a bad
citizen, who was not contented with seven acres of land.
46. Marcelli : this was probably that Marcellus who was five
times consul, and who first taught the Romans that Hannibal
was not invincible. The poefs meaning is, that the glory of
the ancient Marcellus, far from being tarnished by the lapse of
time, gains new lustre in one of his descendants (i. e. the
nephew of Augustus), and, as a young shoot from an old stock,
it rises by insensible degrees to its full strength and proportions.
47. Julium sidus : This undoubtedly refers to the young
Marcellus, then scarce seventeen years old, whose bright and
opening virtues already reflected glory on the Julian family ;
and not, as some have supposed, to Julius Csesar. This young
Marcellus, it will be recollected, was the son of Octavia, the
sister of Augustus, who had adopted him as his successor; and
the youth to whom Virgil applied those beautiful and touching
lines in ^En. vi. 882, 886. Doering thus explains it : " inter
omnes, sc. alios Romanorum juvenes. Juliurn sidus : juvenis
Marcellus, sideris instar virtutum suarum splendore gentem
suam Juliam illustrans, spes ac decus gentis Juliss."
50. Tibi cura . . . regnes : ' to you, O Jove, has the guidance
of great Augustus been committed by the fates : so reign, I
beseech you, that his empire may be second to yours.' That
is, as expressed in verses 57 and 58, may you rule in heaven
and he upon the earth.
55. Subjectos Orientis oro& : * dwelling in the extreme borders
of the East.'
56. Seras et Indos : ' the Serse and Indians,' the- most remote
nations of Asia.
ODE XII.
When the Romans, after all their sufferings and privations
by the civil wars, were nevertheless concerting measures for a
renewal of them, Horace addresses them, or rather the com-
monwealth, under the figure of a vessel, which, although shat-
tered and dismantled, was preparing to trust itself again to
an unknown and dangerous sea. The allegory is continued
with much force and beauty throughout the ode, by which he
endeavours to dissuade his fellow citizens from their dangerous
enterprise, and to induce them to make sure of the blessings of
peace which were offered under the government of Augustus.
1. Novijluctus : i. e. ' new waves ' of civil dissension.
268 NOTES.
3. Portum: this harbour means the peace offered by Augus-
tus.
4. JVudvm remigio latus : the force of the republican party
was greatly diminished by the loss of several of the principal
leaders ; they had been defeated at Philippi ; Sextus Pompeius
had fled ; and others vvere despondent.
9. Lintea : i. e. the sails, vvhich were rent.
10. Di : i. e. the tutelary gods, whose images were usually
placed on the stern of the ship, he says, had forsaken her.
Their images were broken and washed away.
11. Pontica pinus : the pine from Pontus was most esteemed
for ship-building.
17. JYuper sollicitum . . . levis : i. e. may you, who were but re-
cently an object of great anxiety to me, when in danger of being
lost, now that you are saved from wreck, an object of tender
concern and care, avoid the seas flovving among the shining
Cyclades. These islands are termed nitentes, from the white
marble, which rendered them very conspicuous and beautiful.
They are about fifty in number, and so near together as to ren-
der the navigation among them extremely dangerous ; and are
therefore to be avoided.
ODE XIII.
It is supposed that Horace addressed this ode to Marlc
Antony, at the time he was ensnared by the love of Cleopatra,.
and was meditating an expedition vvith her against Italy, that
he might make her mistress of the Roman empire, to dissuade
him from that desperate enteiprise. Torrentius says, that he
saw an ancient manuscript, in which the title of this ode was.
Ad AUxandrum Paridem. And there is little doubt but a pa-
rallel is here intended betvveen Paris and Antony ; each of
whom embarked for his ovvn countrj^ vvith a foreign queen, to
the ruin of himself and those connected with him.
1. Pastor : Paris, in consequence of his mother's dream, that
he would be the destruction of Troy and of Priam's house, was
sent avvay as soon as he was born, and committed to a shepherd
on mount Ida, to be brought up to that mode of life, in igno-
rance of his parentage. After he was received and acknow-
ledged at court, he was frequently called Pasior Dardanus,
'the Trojan Shepherd.'
2. Perfidus : Paris vvas a visitor at the palace of Menelaus, at
the time he committed the treacherous and infamous violation
of hospitality, which gained him this epithet.
5. Mald . . . avi : ' with inauspicious omen.' The Romans
frequently took their omens from birds.
7. Conjurata : the Grecian princes assembled vvith their forces
at Aulis, vvhere they bound themselves by an oath not to re-
turn till they had destroyed the kingdom of Priara, and avenged
the insult offered to their nation.
ODES. BOOK I.
269
"21. Laertiaden: Ulysses.
26. JYon auriga piger : « a spirited driver,' when occasion
Tequires.
32. JYon hoc . . . tum : i. e. quite different from what you
boasted to your beauteous Helen.
33. Iracunda . . . Achillei : i. e. the quarrel of Achilles
with Agamemnon will, for a while, defer the fatal day for Troy
and the Trojan ladies. Females are mentioned as particularly
objects of pity in the sacking of a city. Achillei from the old
Achilteus.
ODE XIV.
Palinodia signifies a ' recantation,' or the retracting of what
has been said. It seems, our poet, having been supplanted by
a more successful competitor for the favour of Tyndaris, the
daughter of Gratidia, wrote an abusive and scurrilous ode to her.
He now wishes to retract what he had done, and to reinstate
nimselfin the favour of Tyndaris, to whom he was much at-
tached. He pleads, as bis excuse, the influence of irresistible
passion, and denies ever having indulged the feelings expressed
m his former ode.
I. Matre pulchrd : The former ode is said to have beeun
thus : fo
O matre turpi filia turpior !
^ 2. Quem . . . Hadriano : qUem cunque is divided by Tmesis.
You will destroy, in any way you please, mv slanderous Iam-
bics, whether you see fit to throw them into the fire, or the Ha-
dnatic sea.'
5. Dindymene: i. e. Cybele, so called from Dindymus, or
Dmdymis, a mountain in Phrygia consecrated to her service
and worship.
II. Tremendo . . . tumultu : <with his dread thunderbolts J
13. Fcrtur Prometheus . . . desectam. : i. e. Prometheus, when
on account of the failure of his materials, which were exhausted
in makmg other ammals, he was compelled to blend in the first
formed man a particle (undique desectam) taken from every other
animal, is said also to have placed in our breast somethino- 0f
the fury of the raging lion. &
Therefore, the poet would argue, he may justly hope for par-
don for an act proceeding from an infirmity of human nature.
17. Thyesten : the dreadful effects of passion may be learned
from the story of Thyestes. See Class. Dict.
22. Pectoris . . .fervor: « furious anger.'
25. JYunc ego . . . tristia : how far Horace succeeded in re-
gaimng the favour of Tyndaris, we learn from the followino-
ode to her. °
23*
270 NOTES.
ODE XV.
Horace having reinstated himself in the favour of Tyndaris,
invites her to his country seat, where he ofFers her retirement
and a cool retreat from the heat of dog-days.
I. Lucreiilem mutat Lycceo Faunus : by Hypallage for mutat
Lycceum Lucretili. Horace's country seat was near the foot
of mount Lucretllis, which, he says, Faunus finds so plea-
sant that he often forsakes his Arcadian mountain Lycaeus,
and comes to visit it. He considers himself under the protec-
tion of that god, who defends his goats from the extremes of the
weather.
4. Usque : i. e. semper ; ' always.'
7. Olentis uxores mariti : i. e. the she-goats.
10. Utcunque : ' as often as.' — Fistuld : i. e. with the ' pipe ' of
Faunus.
II. Usticce cubantis : 'of sloping Usticse,' a hill near Lu-
cretilis.
18. Fide Teid : i. e. on the lyre of Anacreon, or in the style of
Anacreon, whose native city was Teos.
19. Dices . . . Circen : ' You shall sing of Penelope and the
fair Circe, both in love with the same man.' The meaning of
vitream is the same in this place as carulea, or marina, referring
probably to the transparency and beauty of glass, or sea-water.
Circe is called by Homer the sea-coloured nymph.
22. Duces : i. e. largiiis bibes ; 'shall drink freely.' — Seme-
leius Thyoneus : Thyoneus is a name of Bacchus, son of Se-
mele ; intimatirg that there would be no quarrelling over their
glasses, as there had been once by his rival, which caused
Tyndaris to dismiss him.
24. Protervos : ' rude, wanton rakes.'
ODE XVI.
Commentators are in doubt what Varus is addressed in
this ode. But it is generally supposed to be Q,uinctilius Varus,
the general, and not the poet of Cremona, of the same name,
whose death is so deeply lamented by our poet in the twentieth
ode of this book.
Horace exhorts him to plant the vine first of all, on his
grounds at Tibur, where he was engaged in planting trees.
3. Siccis : ' to the temperate.'
6. Quis non te potiiis : sc. laudat.
8. Centaurea . . . rixa ; this refers to a tradition, that Piri-
thoiis, king of the Laplthae, a people of Thessaly, invited the
Centaurs \o his wedding feast ; and when the parties became
heated with wine. the Centaurs insulted the wives of the Lapi-
thse, and a quarrel ensued, in which they were slain by the
Lapitha;.
ODES. BOOK I. 271
9. Sithoniis : the Sithonians vvere a people of Thrace, put
here for the Thracians generally. — JVon levis : * hostile.' The
Thracians being very intemperate, and committing all man-
ner of crimes in their seasons of excess, Bacchus is said to
have been hostile to them for abusing his gifts.
10. Quumfas . . . avidi : the construction is, Quum illi avidi
libidinum discernunt fas atque nefas exiguo fne.
12. JVec variis . . . rapiam : ' nor will I expose to view thy
secrets covered with various leaves.'
There were certain articles sacred to Bacchus kept secret in
a chest or basket, which was covered with vine-leaves. This
was brought out of the temple, and carried about during the
celebration of his orgies.
13. Tene : ' restrain.'
ODE XVII.
It seems that Msecenas had intimated to Horace his intention
of making him a visit at his country-seat at Tibur, in the Sa-
bine territory, about twenty or twenty-five miles from Rome.
The poet intends to give his illustrious friend a welcome to
his house, but to prevent any disappointment in one accustomed
to the choice wines and other luxuries of the court at Rome, he
tells him he will find but plain fare.
1. Vile . . . Sabinum : ' cheap Sabine wine.'
2. Grazcd . . . ptausus : ' which I sealed in a Grecian jar the
very day on which you received such applause in the theatre.'
— Testd: the Romans, when most careful topreserve theirwine,
and to correct its crudity, put it into earthen jars, which
were at first imported from Greece. — Levi : from lino ; when
the casks were filled, they were sealed or closed up with pitch
or wax. Although the Sabine wine was by no means worthy of
so much care and expense, yet, as on the occasion referred to,
Maecenas, on making his appearance at the theatre for the
first time after a severe illness, had been received with accla-
mations and shouts of joy, Horace had preserved the date in
this way ; and now pays a very delicate compliment to his pa-
tron by alluding to that circumstance.
5. Paterni fuminis : the Tiber flows from Etruria, where
the ancestors of Maecenas dwelt.
8. Imago : ' the echo.'
9. Prcelo . . . Caleno : ' by a Calenian wine-press.' The best
presses were made at Cales. The sense seems to be this ; ' You
will drink the choice Caecubian wine, at home if you please, or
where it is to be had ; but I have neither Falcrnian nor For-
mian wine.' Some suppose this to be a hint for Maecenas to
bring some wine with him, better than was to be found at Tibur.
272 NOTES.
ODE XVIII.
This is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to Apollo and
Diana, to be sung by a choir of twenty-seven young men, and
another choir of the same number of young virgins, on a day
consecrated to the worship of these tutelary divinities. The
poet seems to take the part of a priest of Apollo, and to dictate
to each choir what to sing.
1. Tenerce . . . virgines : the choir of virgins is first exhorted
to sing the praises of Diana.
2. Inionsum . . . Cynthium : then the choir of young men is
exhorted to sing the praises of Apollo.
3. Latonamque . . . Jovi : ' Sing too Latona, the mother of
both, supremely loved by almighty Jove.'
5. Lcetam : sc. Dianam ; ' delighting in.'
9. Tempe : to this delightful vale Apollo retired afler he slew
the serpent Python.
11. Insignemque . . . lyrd : ' and the shoulder of Apollo,
graced with his quiver and the lyre received from his brother.'
Mercury, the inventor of the lyre, presented it to Apollo.
13. Hic : Apollo ; motus vestrd prece aget bellum, &.c.
ODE XIX.
In this elegant and beautiful ode, Horace describes to his
friend Fuscus, the rhetorician, the advantages of uprightness
of character and purity of life. These are the best defence, and
affbrd the greatest security a man can have.
1. Inttger . . . purus : l a man of upright life, and free from
guilt.'
5. Syrtes . . . astuosas : the poet does not here speak of the
marine Syrtes, but the sandy deserts of Africa ; where the scorch-
ing heat of the sun renders the region at times impassable.
JEstuosas may refer to the heat of the sands, from ozstus ; or
to the fluctuating nature of the quicksands, which are driven
about by the wind in billows, like water. The word Syrles
comes from av^ uv, ' to drag, or sweep along.'
7. Fabulosus : the river Hydaspes is so called from the fabu-
lous reports of its washing gold and gems along with its water.
8. Lambit : for alluit.
15. JuboB tellus : Mauritania, which was subject to Juba.
17. Pigris . . . campis : he first speaks of the frigid zone, then
of the torrid.
22. Terrd domibus negatd: the ancients entertained the opin-
ion, that the torrid zone was uninhabitable, on account of the
heat, which errour modern experience has corrected.
ODES. BOOK I. 273
ODE XX.
Q,uinctilius Varus, a distinguished poet of Cremona, was the
intimate and mutual friend of Horace and Virgil; but perhaps
endeared to no one more than to the latter. He died in the
seven hundred and twenty-ninth year of Rome. The death of
Varus was most deeply felt by Virgil, to whom this ode is ad-
dressed by way of condolence.
2. PrcBcipe . . . Melpomene : ' O Melpomene, teach me mourn-
ful strains.' Horace, with much propriety, invokes the Muse
of Tragedy to aid him in the tribute he is about to pay to
the worth of their lamented friend ; for whom no measure of
grief seemed to be excessive.
11. N071 ita . . . deos : i. e. you request the gods to restore you
Quinctilius, who was not given you on the condition that he
was not to be taken away.
13. Qubd si . . .Jidem : ' but though more sweetly than Thra-
cian Orpheus, you tune the lyre listened to by trees.'
14. Arboribus ; in the dative case, as, neque cernitur ulli :
Adam's Lat. Gram. R. xxviii. Obs. 2.
17. Non lenis . . . recludere : ' not easily induced by prayers
to open the path back into life again.' " Fata recludere, h. e.
viam ex Orco in vitam redituris occlusam recludere" Doering.
ODE XXI.
Lucius iElius Lamia, a poet of considerable reputation, and a
friend of Horace, had in the civil dissensions joined the repub-
licans. After the downfall of his party, he became despondent,
and thought the commonwealth was going to ruin. It seems to
be the design of this ode to raise the drooping spirits of Lamia,
and to divert his thoughts to poetry and literature.
1. Musis amicus : i. e. if the Muses do but smile on me, I
shall banish all fear and melancholy.
3. Quis . . . securus : ' wholly indifferent by whom the king-
of the frozen regions, under the north pole, may be feared, or
what may terrify Teridates.' — Teridaten : In the year of Rome
719, the Parthians expelled their king Phraates for his cruelty,
and placed Teridates on his throne. But about five years after,
Phraates was restored to his dominions by the assistance of the
Parthians. Teridates fled to Augustus, and carried witli him
the son of Phraates. A few years after, Phraates sent an em-
bassy to Rome, with an offer of restoring the Roman Eagles,
which had been taken at the defeat of Crassus, if Augustus
would restore his son and Teridates to him. While this negocia-
tion was pending, this ode was written. What cause Teridates
had for being alarmed we can imagine. The son was restored,
but Tiridates was not given up.
274 NOTES.
6. O . . . Pimplei dulcis : ' O sweet Muse.' Pimplci, the
vocative case from Pimpleis. Pimpla is a mountain in Mace-
donia with a fountain of the same name, sacred to the Muses,
who are therefore sometimes called Pimpleldes.
10. Hunc . . . sorores : ' him it becomes you and your sister
Muses to consecrate to immortality on new harps, and in Les-
bian numbers.' " Fidibus novis, carmine novo; h. e. lyrico, quale
nemo apud Romanos ante Horatium cecinit." Doering.
ODE XXII.
Mr. Sanadon says, that Horace was at an entertainment
where a dispute began to inflame some of the company already
heated with wine. Instead of attempting to restore peace by
grave advice and sober reasoning, he gaily proposed to drown
all disputes in a bumper ; which having succeeded, he wrote a
few lines on the occasion.
5. Vino et lucernis . . . discrepat : * how strangely abhorrent is
the Persian sword from wine and candles : ' i. e. the festive
board, for the Romans usually had their entertainments by
candle-light.
8. Cubito . . jpresso : this alludes to the custom of reclining
on couches at table.
ODE XXIII.
The occasion of this ode is not known; although it has been
the subject of various conjectures. It is a dialogue, represented
as having taken place between a mariner and the shade of Ar-
chytas, a celebrated mathematician and philosopher of Taren-
tum.
Archytas had been shipwrecked on the coast of Apulia ; and
the poet represents a mariner, who had accidentally found his
body, driven ashore by the waves, as thus exclaiming- : ' And
could not you escape death, Archytas ! How small a space
you cover, who could measure the heavens, the earth, and the
sea ! ' The address of the mariner occupies the first six verses ;
and the reply continues through the ode.
1. Te maris . . . munera : the construction is, Archytas, parva
munera exigui pulveris cohibent te mensorem maris et terra
arenctque carentis numero, prope Matinum littus.
2. Cohibent : ' receive, confine.' Commentators differ as to
the meaning of this word. Bentley and Doering consider it as
here given ; viz. ' a small quantity of earth is sufficient for you
now, who lately stretched your mind over the vast expanse of
heaven, the wide extended ocean, and the land.' But Dacier,
Gesner, and others think the meaning to be this : ' the trifling
favour of a little dust to cover your body detains you from the
Elysian fields ;' alluding to the prevailing belief that the soul
ODES. BOOK I.
275
could not pass the Styx under a hundred years, if the body
were not buried. To this, refcrence is ma.de at the conclusion
of the ode, where the mariner is entreated to render this little
service, of throwing earth upon the body, which was of so much
consequence to the soul.
7. Occidit : The shade of Archytas here replies to this effect :
<Do not be surprised, mariner, that I have shared the common
lot of humamty ; for Tantalus died, though he was admitted to
thesociety of the gods ; and Titbonus, Pythagoras,' &c. Ar-
chytas seems to console himself by the reflection, that others so
much greater that himself had submitted to the same necessity.
30. Panthoiden: the son of Panthous was Euphorbus, who
was slain at the Trojan war by Menelaus. Pythagoras, to estab-
hsli his doctrine of the transmigration of souls, declared, among-
other proofs, that he was himself at the Trojan war, centuries
before. m the person of this Euphorbus ; and says he recognised,
m the Temple of Juno, the shield which he wore when he was
Euphorbus ; which being taken down, refixo, was found to have
the marks which he had described, as on his shield.
14. Judice . . . verique : < And in my opinion he was no ordi-
nary observer of nature and of 'truth.'
20. Proserpina : this refers to a belief among the ancients,
that Proserpine attended on persons about to die, and cut from
their heads a lock of hair, as an ofTering to the infernal deities ;
and that they could not die till this service was performed.
25. Sic, guodcunque : the meaning is, If vou do this, I hope that,
whatever dangers the tempest may threaten you with, when
navigatmg the Italian sea, may fall upon the Venusian woods.
30. Mghgis . . . commitlere : ■ are you indifferent about com-
mitting a cnme to be atoned for by your innocent descendants.'
The ancients believed that the gods were enraged ao-ainst
any one who, having found a dead body, should leave ft un-
buried ; and that they punished both him and his posterity.
34. Teque piacula nulla resolvent : ' and no atonino- sacrifices
shall free you from punishment.'
36. Curras: sc. ut; 'for you to hasten on.'
ODE XXIV.
Augustus sent an army a^ainst the Arabians in the year of
Rome 729, under ^Elius Gallus. The expedition was unsuc-
cessful, on account of a sickness which prevailed in the army.
Iccius, a man of retired and literary habits, voluntarily ioined
the expedition. Horace, with a good deal of pleasantry, ridi-
cules Iccius for leaving the ease and quiet of philosophical pur-
suits to encounter the dangers and fatigues of war, while he
supposes him to meditate some mighty proofs of his valour.
1. Beatis...gazis: Strabo says, that Augustus made war
upon the babaeans, a people of Arabia Felix, on account of their
276 NOTES.
wealth. He had heard that they were rich in gold, silver, and
spices.
3. Non antt devictis : as if the weight of the war rested on
this new made soldier ; and as if our philosopher was about to
subdue, in his first campaign, the Sabasan kings, ' never yet van-
quished ! '
5. Nectis catenas : as if Iccius was about to bring home his
captives in chains. The Romans often carried chains for their
prisoners with them, when going to war.
7. Puer quis ex auld : i. e. puer regius. Horace facetiously
ihtimates, that Iccius will select from his captive princes and
princesses some to attend upon his person.
10. Qiiis neget ■■ the meaning is, Who can deny that rivers
may again ascend the steep mountains, and that the Tiber
may run back to its fountain, when a man in your enviable con-
dition shall prefer the hardships of war to a quiet and studious
life?
14. Pano3ti : Panoetius was an eminent Stoic philosopher of
Rhodes. — Socraticam et domum .- i. e. the sect or school of
Socrates, Plato, Xenophon, and other academicians.
ODE XXV.
Glycera, a lady of great beauty, and a friend of Horace,
being about to give an entertainment at her house, had in-
vited him to attend it. We may suppose Horace, with his
answer, to have sent this little neat and beautiful invocation to
the goddess of beauty, requesting her to smile on the scene.
4. JEdem ■■ It was customary with the Romans to bave a part
of their mansion fitted up as a kind of chapel, in which were
kept the images of their household gods, to whom at feasts
they orTered libations.
7. Juventas Jlercuriusque •• i. e. youth and eloquence.
*
ODE XXVI.
Augustus built a temple to Apollo within his palace on mount
Palatine ; and when it was consecrated, most of the eminent
poets of the age wrote something upon the occasion. It is sup-
posed that Horace wrote this ode for that solernn ceremony, at
the request of the emperor.
1. Quid . . . vates • 'what does the poet ask of Apollo, to
whom this day a temple is dedicated ? ' — Vates, i. e. ego poeta.
He repeats the question, ' what does he pray for ? ' to give
force to the interrogation. Because he is not about to ask for
those things which are usually most desired.
6. Mordet : ' washes.' The Liris divides Latium from Cam-
pania.
9. Calend : not Calenam. The best implements for the vine
yard were manufactured at Cales. See Ode XVII. 9. note.
ODES. BOOK I. 277
10. Dives .^ . . impund .- the construction is, et dives mercator,
carus dis ipsis, quippe ter et quater anno impunh revisens Atlan-
ticum cequor, exsiccet vina aureis culullis, reparata Syrd merce.
17. Frui paratis . . . mente : 'grant, O son of Latona, I pray
you, that I may enjoy the blessings already acquired, both in
health and with a mind unimpaired.' — Paratis, i. e. what I
nowpossess. — Latoe : voc. of Latoils. The same sentiment as in
Juvenal x, 356 ; Orandum est, ut sit mens sana in corpore sano.
ODE XXVII.
It seems that, on some occasion of more than ordinary im-
portance, Horace was requested to write ; whether by Augus-
tus, Msecenas, or some other person, it does not appear. But
the poet addresses his lyre in a manner calculated to show that
he feels the responsibility of the undertaking-.
I. Poscimur: 'our efForts are demandecl ;' i. e. I am put in
requisition, my services are required ; and if when at ease I
have ever sung with you any thing deserving to live for a year
or more — come now, O my lyre, first tuned by Lesbian Alceeus,
and prompt a Latin song in your wonted measure.
3. Latinum : meaning that the same lyre had before respond-
ed in Greek.
6. Qui ferox bello : Alcseus was no less distinguished as a
general, than as a poet. Horace evidently aspires to the same
rank as a lyric poet, among the Romans, that Alcseus held
among the Greeks.
II. Lycum: Lycus was a beautiful youth, beloved and cele-
brated by Alcaeus.
15. Mihi . . . rite vocanti : l be propitious to me whenever,
with a proper spirit, I invoke thine aid.' — Cunque ; for quando-
cunque.
ODE XXVIII.
Horace was a lover of pleasure, and had early imbibed the
doctrines of Epicurus, which favoured his propensities. But in
this ode he acknowledges his error inliving, as he had, a life of
sensuality,^ and in neglecting the duties of religion and the
worship of the gods. Some have doubted his slncerity. Be
that as it may, he rejects the folly of the Epicureans, who deny
an overruling power, and account for all the phenomena of na-
ture independently of any such power.
2. Insanientis . . . erro . ' while imbued with the principles
of mad philosophy I wander from the way.'
5. JVamque Diespiter : the poet gives a reason for disbeliev-
ing the Epicureans: I lately heard Jove thundering in a se-
rene and cloudless sky whereas thunder usually, plericmque,
24
27 S NOTES.
proceeds from natural causes, and takes place vvhenthe heavens
are enveloped in clouds and sulphurous exhalations.
14. Hinc : ' from one.' — Jipicem t * the diadem.'
16. Hic- {on another.'
ODE XXIX.
ln the year of Rome 726, Augustus enrolled two armies, in-
tending to lead one of them in person against the Britons, and
to scnd the other under iElius Galius into Arabia. Horace,
ever ready to express his gratitude and good will towards his
friend and patron, wrote this address to Fortune ; invoking her
aid towards a favourable result of these expeditions.
When Augustus was actually on his march, intending to pass
through France, and transport his army over to Britain, he was
met by an embassy from Britain, which accepted the terms he
proposed. He therefore gave up the expedition.
1. Antium : this was a city of Italy, the capital of the Vol-
scians. It had a commodious harbour, and was a place of con-
siderable importance. There was, in this city, a temple to For-
tune, famous for the splendid gifts with which it was enriched,
as weil as for the lots cast there, and the responses of its
oracle. Fortune is therefore said to govern it.
2. Preesens : i. e. ready and able.
12. Metuunt t ' reverence ; do homage to.'
13. Injurioso . . . frangat : ' that thou mayest not with violent
foot cast down the yet standing pillar of state ; and that a
thronging multitude may not excite the quiet citizens by crying,
" To arms, To arms," and thus overthrow the government.'
17. Sceva JYecessitas : This description is highly coloured:
' Stern Necessity always precedes thee, bearing in her brazen
hand spikes and wedges.' The wedges were not to be used in
splitting, but in making more compact ; and the parts i so
compressed, when of wood, were to be secured by the long
nails ; when of stone, by iron hooks, let in and fastened with
melted lead, liquidum plumbum. The uncus is not intended,
as supposed by some, for an instrument of punishment.
22. JVec comitem abnegat ■■ sc. se.
23. Utcunque mutatd . . . veste : ' however much you change
your dress.' We may suppose prosperous fortune to be clad
splendidly, and adverse fortune meanly.
29. Serves : i. e. may you attend Csesar on his march against
thc Britons, and also the cxpedition about to be sent into the
East.
33. Cicatricum . . .fratrum : i. e. may we be ashamed of the
evils we have brought on ourselves by the civil wars, and dread
a repetition of them.
ODES. BOOK I. 279
ODE XXX.
Plotius Numida had been three years with Auo-ustus, en-
gaged m a war in Spain. On his return he was received with
demonstrations of joy and thanksgiving by his friend Horace ■
who, on tlns happy occasion, assembled the friends of Plotius'
and among them /Elius Lamia, a school-feliow of Pktius, and
dearly beloved by him. This celebration was attended with
sacrifices, songs, and dances.
2. Placare : * to propitiate.' This word may with propriety
be used, although Plotius had returned in safety ; since his
fnends were stdl bound to the performance of their vows ; and
would have reason to fear the resentment of the gods if this
should be neglected.
5. Multa : sc. dividit oscula.
8. JVon alio rege : it was customary among the Romans to
call the tutor or governor of a nobleman's children rex, or king.
Plotms and Lamia had not only past their boyhood together un-
der the same tutor, but had assumed the manlv gown, too-a vi-
nlis, at the same time. °
9. Mutata : i. e. the toga proetexta, which was bordered with
purple, was laid aside for the toga virilis, which was of pure
white, and assumed at the age of seventeen years. This chan°-e
of the toga was attended with some solemnity, and usuallv be-
fore the lmages of the Lares.
10. Cressd ; fortunate and happy days were marked with
cnalk, or a white stone ; and uulucky days with u, black mark
or a black stone. These were added up at the end of the year
l\MoreminSaliuvi: for Saliorum; < afler the manner of
the Saln. These were the twelve priests of Mars. See Lem-
pnere.
13. Damalis: this was a woman of light character, notorious
tor her love of wine.
14. Bassum: Bassus was a companion of Plotius, and a
hard dnnker. '
ODE XXXI.
The death of Cleopatra put an end to the war between Au-
gustus and Antony. This is one of several odes which Horace
wrote on that occasion. The character and tragical end of
Cleopatra are stnkingly represented. Her passions are in vio-
lent motion ; her ambition is intoxication ; her love is madness :
and her courage is despair. The soul of the poet seems kin-
dled with unusual fire.
2 Saliaribus . . dapibus : The feasts of the Salii were of the
most splendid and costly kind. The poet here probably means
to say that it is proper to prepare a lectisternium ; which was a
280
NOTES.
feast at which the gods were invited to attend, and for whom
the couches were spread, and their images placed on them
around the altars. They were the most sumptuous entertain-
ments that could be made.
7. Dementes ruinas : by Hypallage, for demens regina.
13. Vix una . . . navis : It is said that Cleopatra, soon after the
battle at Actium commenced, fled with sixty vessels ; and that
shortly aler Antony followed her in the flag ship {navis prado-
ria). His flcet, however, after he had gone, made so despe-
rate a resistance, that Augustus was compelled to send for fire
from his camp to destroy it. The una navis probably refers to
Antony's ship. . .
14. JSIareotico r the Mareotic wine was a choice and exqmsite
wine, so called from the lake Mareotis, near which it was pro-
duced.
15. Veros timores : veros may be significantly opposed to the
vain fear with which she fled before there was any cause of
flight. .
16. Volantem remis adurgens : ' pursuing with his fleet her
flying.'
21. Fatale monstrum : i. e. Cleopatra ; whom Augustus wish-
ed to take prisonef, that she might be led in chains to grace
his triumph.— Generosiiis r ' in a more honourable manner.'
23. JYec latentes . . . oras : ' nor did she retire with her fleet
to secret coasts,' i. e. that she might escape death.
25. Jacentem . . . regiam .- i. e. her kingdom fallen and lost
for ever to her. The palace is put for the kingdom ; for she did
not sce her paiace in ruins literally.
26. Asperas : i. e. exasperated, as well as venomous. Plu-
tarch says, she provoked the asp by pricking it, that it might
sting her with greater fury.
30. Savis Libumis : i. e. This high-spinted woman disdam-
ing forsooth to be carried to Rome as a private person in the
Liburnian gallies to grace a haughty triumph.
The Liburnian gallies were very swift vessels, formerly used
by the Liburnian pirates. They were of great service to
Augustus in the battle of Actium, and with them he pursued
Cleopatra to Alexandria.
ODE XXXII.
In this little piece, addressed to his servant boy, Horace
means to discountenance the growing taste for luxury and ex-
travagance.
3. Mitte sectari . ' cease to inquire.'
5. Simplici . . . allabores : ' you need not try for any thing
nvVe than plain myrtle.'
ODES. BOOK II. 2S1
BOOK H.
ODE I.
Asinius Pollio, a soldier, a statesman, and a scholar, had
also distinguished himself as a Tragic writer ; and had raised the
reputation of the Roman stage nearly to an equality witli that
of Athens. But Pollio was engaged in a work better deeerving
his whole strength and attention. This was a history of the
civil wars, in which he had already advanced considerably,
when Horace, apprehensive that the applause which Pollio re-
ceived from the stage might interrupt a history so interesting to
the republic, wrote this ode to urge him to persevere. And at
the same time he exhorts Poilio not to be diverted from this
object, he reminds him how delicate and dangerous a task he
had undertaken.
1. Motum ex Metello .- the construction is, O Pollio, tractas
civicum motum ex consule Metello, causasque helli, &c.
It was during the consulship of Metellus and Lucius Afra-
nius, that Csesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed that confede-
racy, commonly known by the name of the First Triumvirate.
The poet says, You treat of the civil commotions which took
place, beginning from the consulship of Metellus.
3. Gravesque . . . amicitias : i. e. the coalition of the Trium-
viri, so destructive to the liberty of the commonwealth.
6. Periculosoz : this might well be called ' a work full of dan-
gerous hazard,' since the fidelity of the historian must be pre-
served, without offending Augustus, or disobliging many families
that had been deeply engaged in the civil war, by opening
afresh wounds that were now nearly healed.
9. Musa tragozdicz desit theatris .• i. e. you ought for a tiine
to relinquish your favourite pursuit, and abstain from writing
tragedies, till you have put the finishing hand to a work of so
much importance as that in which you are engaged.
10. Mox . . . cothurno : 'hereafter, when you shall have di-
gested and arranged the events in your history, you shall re-
sume the noble employment of writing tragedy with true Athe-
nian dignity.'
The cothurnuSy or buskin, was frequently put for tragedy,
which had at that time reached a greater degree of excel-
lence at Athens than at any other place.
From the expression, publicas res or-Hndris, many have sup-
posed Pollio was consul at the time this ode was written, and
that this sentence had reference to the management of publir
24*
282 NOTES.
business. But this was not the fact. For Pollio lived in retire-
ment, and wrote the history many years after his consuiship
terminated.
17. Jam nunc . . . strepunt : the poet here compliments Pollio
on his talents as a writer ; and fancies himself in the midst of
the scenes the historian is describing, and exclaims, ' Already
you make my ears ring with the threatening blast of the horns,
and the shrill notes of the clarion.'
24. Prceter . . . Catonis : a beautiful tribute to the unyielding
virtue of that stern republican : intimating that Caesar found it
easier to subdue the whole world, than the inflexible spirit of
Cato.
25. Juno . . . JugurthcR .- here the poet with his usual ad-
dress, that he may avoid every thing which may be unwel-
come to Augustus, instead of allowing the ambition of Csesar to
have caused the civil war, ascribes it to fate ; and says that
ibrmerly Juno and the other divinities friendly to Africa had
retired from that region powerless, and without avenging its
wrongs, because opposed by the fates, but that they finally of-
fered the descendants of the victors, as an atoning sacrifice to
the manes of Jugurtha.
31. Auditumque~Medis .• i. e. had reached even the Medes, or
rather the Parthians ; the most deadly enemies of the Romans.
37. Sed ne . . . Ncenire : ' but stop, my muse, do not quit my
sportive strains to perform the melancholy ofrices of the Cean
Namia.' She was the goddess of mourning and melancholy,
who inspired the affecting airs of Simomdes of Ceos, one of the
Cyclades.
ODE II.
Caius Crispus Sallust, to whom this ode is addressed, was
the son of the sister of the distinguished historian of the same
name. He was a gentleman of equestrian rank and splendid
fortune. He stood high at court, being a particular favourite
of Augustus. But he was rational in his views of happiness,
and wished to increase neither his rank nor his fortune.
The poet intends to compliment him on the liberal and noble
use he made of his fortune and his opportunity of diffusing hap-
piness ; and shows that a proper use of riches is the only way
to make them a blessing.
1. Nutlus . . . Crispe Sallusti .• instead of abdito, some read
abditce, and make this construction, O Crispe Sallusti, inimice
lamncB abditce in terris ab avaris hominibus, nullus color est ar-
gento. Otherwise nisi may connect splendeat with inimice. —
Color ; ' splendour, brightness.' — Lamnce^ for lamince : i. e. plates
of gold and silver.
5. Proculeius : this was a Roman knight, held in so high
esteem by Augustus, that he for a time thought of giving him
ODES. BOOK II. 283
liis daughter in marriage. His brothers, Licinius and Teren-
tius, lost their estates for having joined the party of Pompey.
But Proculeius shared his fortune with them ; and afterwards
made their peace with Augustus — hence animi paterni in fra-
tres. Ode VII. of this Book, is addressed to Licinius.
10. Remotis Gadibus : * to distant Cadiz.'
11. Uterque Poznus : i. e. Carthage in Africa, and Carthage
in Spain, taken by Scipio in the second Punic war.
17. Phraates : for an account of Phraates, king of the Par-
thians, see Book I. Ode XXI. 3. note. He is said to have put to
death his father, his brother, and his eldest son.
18. Dissidens plebi : ' dissenting from the crowd.' i. e. phi-
losophy judges differently respecting happiness, frorn what the
multitude does.
19. Populumque . . . vocibus • ' and teaches the vulgar not to
use false names : ' i. e. to give up their false ideas ofhuman
happiness.
23. Oculo irretorto i ' with eye undazzled.'
ODE III.
Dellius was a man of fickle and inconstant character, who is
said to have changed sides four times during the civil wars,
When this ode was written he seems to have been in a state of
dejection, on account of the condition of his affairs. The poet
exhorts him to preserve equanimity of temper under all circum-
stances ; since the shortness of life renders it of comparatively
little importance whether a man be rich or poor. But a reason-
able and innocent enjoyment of one's possessions is the truest
wisdom.
7. Bedris •■ for beaveris .■ i. e. or whether you shall have re-
galed yourself.
8. lnteriore notd Falerni ■■ ' with the more choice Falernian.'
Interiore : put away more carefully to be brought out only on
rare occasions.
15. Sororum . . . trium : the names of the Fates were Clotho,
Lachesis, and Atropos.
17. Cedes coemptis saltibus ■• i. e. you will bid adieu to the
delightful groves you have purchased at great expense.
19. Exstructis in altum .• 'heaped high.'
23. Sub divo moreris : i. e. whether you may live in this
world. Sub divo usually means in the open air : here it means
in this world. Moreris, from moror, mordri.
26. Urna : the ancients pretended that the names of all per-
sons living were cast into an urn, which was continually re-
volving, and that as each one's lot or name came out, that one
died. The a in urna is long by csesura. Some have pointed
this verse differently, and make urna in the ablative.
28. Cymba : \. e. in the boat of Charon.
284 NOTES.
ODE IV.
This ode is an expression of friendship to Septimius, a Roman
knight of high standing. He was a poet and a soldier. He
had been a school-fellow, a long tried and intimate friend of
Horace, who here tells him, that, as they had passed the best
of their days together in toils and dangers, he now wishes to
retire with him, and to spend the evening of life in tranquillity,
either at his own seat at Tibur, or with Septimius at Ta-
rentum.
I. Aditure .- ' ready to go with me ' (if necessary) ' to Cadiz,'
the farthest part of Spain, ' and against the Cantabrian, not yet
subdued,' &c. Almost all commentators are agreed that this is
the sense ; as we say, I am ready to go with you any where :
and not that the poet actually anticipated any expedition of the
kind here mentioned.
5. Tibur . . . colono .- ' Tibur, founded by an Argive colonist.'
Tiburnus, Catillus, and Cora, three brothers from Argos, settled
a colony there.
7. Lasso : sc. mihi.
10. Pellitis ovibus : the sheep of Tarentum, near which the
river Galsesus rlowed, had wool of so fine a quality, that they
were covered with skins to preserve it from injury.
II. Laconi . . . Phalanto : ' by Lacedemonian Phalantus.'
Laco, or Lacon, gen. Laconis, adj.
14. Ubi non . . . Venafro : ' vvhere the honey does not yield
to that of Hymettus, and the olives vie with those of Venafrum.*
Hymettus is a mountain in Attica abounding in the finest
honey. Venafrum is a city in Campania eminent for oil.
18. Aulon . . . avis : the ccnstruction is, et aulon amicus fer-
tili Baccho minimwn invidet Falernis uvis : Aulon is a hill near
Tarentum.
ODE V.
There has been some doubt who the Pompey here addressed
was ; some have supposed it to be Pompeius Varus. But it is
pretty generally believed to have been Pompeius Grosphus.
He was an early friend and companion of our poet, and was
with him at the battle of Philippi. He also continued in opposi-
tion to Augustus afterwards. But when the peace was con-
cluded between Sextus Pompey and the Triumvirate, a general
amnesty was granted to all Pompey's party. Grosphus, taking
advantage of this, returned to his friends ; on which occasion
Horace addressed +his ode to him, by way of congratulation,
which naturally turns on their common dangers and suiferings
in former days.
1. O sa>pe . . . sodaliwn : the construction is, O Pompei, prime
ODES. BOOK II. 285
meorum sodalium, scepb deducte mecumin ultimum tempus (pericu-
lum), quis redonavit te Quiritem dis patriis, Italoque cozlo ?
3. Quiritem : l as a Roman citizen.' During the time that the
friends of Pompey continued in opposition to Augustus, after he
was invested with legal authority, they were considered as
outlaws : by the recent amnesty they were restored to their
rights as Roman citizens.
8. Malobathro Syrio : The malobathrum was a costly oint-
ment brought from Malabar in India, by the Syrian merchants,
by whom the Romans were furnished with it. Hence the epi-
thet Syrian.
10. Relictd . . . parmuld : the poet has been applauded for
this ingenuous confession of his own cowardice, which might
not otherwise have been remembered.
13. Mercurius : he ascribes his escape to Mercuiy, as the
guardian of literary men.
15. Te rursus . . . resorbens : after the battle at Philippi Horace
gave up all hope of the success of his party, and obtained pardon ;
while his friend Grosphus fled to the younger Pompey, as has
been already observed, and continued in hostility to Augustus.
17. Dapem: l the sacrifice.'
19. Sub lauro med: i. e. under the protection of Msecenas.
25. Quem Venus . . . bibendi : ' whom will Venus appoint king
of the feast?' i. e. by a throw of the dice. See Book I. Ode
IV. 18. note.
27. Edonis: l than the Thracians ; ' who are much addicted
to hard drinking. See Book T. OdQ XVI. o. uot,e.
ODE VI.
T. Valgius Rufus was a poet of some eminence. Having lost
his son Mystes, he gave himself up to grief, and spent his time
in writing elegies, and in other expressions of sorrow.
Horace endeavours to dissuade him from this course of con-
duct, by saying that it was contrary to nature, where storms
and winter do not always reign ; and that others had been af-
flicted in a similar manner, who yet did not sink under their be-
reavements. Besides, he might better employ his talents in
celebrating the praises of Augustus.
9. Tu semper . . . ademptum : ' but you constantly pursue with
mournful elegies your lost Mystes.'
13. Ter cevofunctus . . . senex : i. e. the aged Nestor, who lived
thrice the age of man. His son Antilochus was slain by Mem-
non at the siege of Troy.
16. Troilon : Troilus, the son of Priam and Hecuba, was slain
by Achilles.
17. Desine . . . querelarum : an imitation of the Greeks, as,
xrtyi yoav, ohv^fim. See Lat. Gram. R. XVI. Obs. 1.
20. JYiphaten : Niphates is a part of Mount Taurus, between
286 NOTES.
Mesopotamia and Armenia ; it is also the name of a river that
flows from it.
21. Medum Jiumen : i. e. the Euphrates ; which, the poet
says, now rolls its waters with less pride, since its country was
conquered, and the Scythians, or Geloni, ride within the limits
prescribed by the Romans.
ODE VII.
Licinius Varro Murena, the brother of Proculeius Varro Mu-
rena, mentioned in Ode II. 5. of this Book, for his parental af-
fection ar.d generosity towards his brothers, was a young man
of a restless, ardent, and ambitious spirit. Horace, knowing his
character, and wishing to preserve him from the evils to which
his fearless and aspiring views exposed him, addressed this ode
to him, containing much sound wisdom, and some excellent
rules and maxims for life. But Licinius could not be governed
by them. Having been detected in forming a conspiracy
against Augustus, he suffered the fatal consequences of his
rashness. For all the interest which his brother Proculeius and
Mascenas, who married his sister Terentia, were able to exert,
could not save him.
13. Sperat infestis .- sc. rebus ; ' in adversity hopes.'
17. Non . . . sic erit ; ' if things go wrong now, it will not be
so hereafter.'
ODjU VIII.
Quinctius Hirpinus was a man of great wealth, and of an
anxious and timid character. He made himself unhappy by
dreading changes and civil commotions, which might endanger
his possessions. Horace offers to him, in this beautiful ode,
the same kind of consolation which he frequently gives to oth-
ers in trouble. He exhorts them not to be anxious about futuri-
ty ; since life is too short to have any portion of it wasted in
unavailing anxieties. Old age and infirmities will soon deprive
them of the power of enjoying the blessings they possess. He
recommends, therefore, that they should make the most of
present enjoyments, without troubling their thoughts about the
things beyond their reach or control.
I. Cantaber, et Scythes . . . cogitet: i. e. what plans the war-
like Cantabrian and Scythian may be forming.
9. JYon semper idemjioribus : few things are less durable than
the flowers of spring, or more changeable than the moon ; and
yet these are images of human life, most strikingly true and im-
pressive.
II. Minorem : i. e. unable to comprehend.
17. Evius : Bacchus.
18. Quis puer . . . lymphd : * what servant boy will cool the
ODES. BOOK II. 287
wine in the fountain, from which this stream of water flows,
that runs by us ? ' Commentators are divided as to the meaning
of this passage ; some suppose it means, to have the water
mingled with the wine ; and others, that it was to be cooled by
lmmersing in cold water the vessel containing it.
ODE IX.
Horace, being requested by Msecenas to celebrate the victo-
ries of Ca?sar in an epic poem, replies that he is unfit for so
high and responsible a work ; and that his lyre is adapted to
light and sportive subjects only. He says that Mscenas can
do much more justice to the subject by writing a history of
these achievements in prose.
1. JYolis : the drift of this introduction is this : Inasmuch as
you would hardly desire a light and trifling poet to attempt a
descnption of the Numantian war, or the Carthaginian wars or
the battle of the Centaurs with the Laplthae ; so you would 'not
have me presume to celebratethe achievements of great Csesar
when I am only fit to write love ditties. Doering,
3. Mollibus . . . modis : ' to the soft measures.'
5. Lapithas . . . HyUum : the Lapithce were a oeople of
- Ihessaly. The quarrel between them and the Centaurs is said
to have been begun by the Centaur Hylams, who, having drunk
too mucn wme, laid hands on Hippodamia. See Book I. Ode
XVI. 8. note.
7. Telluris juvenes : i. e. the giants, sons of earth, who made
war agamst Jupiter.— Unde periculum . . . veteris : « on account
ot the danger from whom the shining palace of old Saturn trem-
bJed. — Unde : i. e. a quibus.
9. Pedestribus . . . historiis : ' in a prose history.'
11. Ductaper vias: 'led in triumph through thestreets.'
1& Me dulces . . . oculos : the construction is, Musa voluit
me dicere dulces cantus Licyjnnia, voluit me dicere ocuhs fuU
gentes lucidum: ' my muse would rather I should celebrate the
sweet yoice of Licymnia,' &c. It is generally supposed that
lerentia is meant by Licymnia, and that the ode was written
about the time that Msecenas married that lady ; the word
domma is often used to signify one dearly beloved.
15. Mutuis . . . amoribus : ' with mutual attachment.'
19. Ludentem nitidis virginibus .- 'when dancing with the
chaste and beautiful virgins.' It is evident from this, that Te-
rentia was not yet married ; or she would not have been ad-
mitted among the virgins, who celebrated the sacred rites of
Diana.
21. JYum tu... domos : ' would you take in exchange for a lock
ot Licymma's hair all that rich Achaemenes possessed, or the
treasures of the king of fertile Phrygia, or the wealthv man^
sions ot the Arabs ? ' Achsemenes was king of Persia.— Myp~
domas : Midas was king of Mygdonia, a part of Phrygia.
288 NOTES.
ODE X.
Horace, having narrowly escaped with his life, from the fall
of a tree whilst he was walking on his farm, breaks out with
dreadful imprecations upon the tree and the person who plant-
ed it.
He is naturally led to reflect on the dangers to which we
are at all times exposed, and against which it is impossible to
be sufficiently guarded. His thoughts are turned to the world
of spirits, to which he came so near being sent unawares. And
by way of compliment to lyric poetry, he represents the shades,
and even Cerberus and the Furies, as overpowered by the mu-
sic of Sappho and Alcseus.
1. llle . . . pagi .- the construction is, Quicunque primum po-
suit te, O arbos, ille et posuit te nefasto die, et sacrilegd manu
produxit te in perniciem nepotum, opprobriumque pagi. This
passage has cost commentators much trouble. They are gene-
rally of opinion, that there is something wrong or imperfect in
theconstruetion of it. But it may be construed as above with-
out much violence or inconsistency.
3. Produxit .■ ' trained up.'
7. JVoctumo ■' ' in the night ; ' for nocte, or nocturno tempore.
8. Colcha : ' Colchian.' Colchos was a region of Asia, near
to Pontus, and abounding in the strongest poisons.
14. In horas .- ' hourly.'
17. Miles -. i. e. the Roman soldier. The Parthians were
most dangerous when pursued, as they discharged their arrows
behind them with great effect.
21. Quhm pene . . . vidimus : ' how nearly I came to seeing
the dusky realms of Proserpine : ' furvce is used for furva, which
is evidently the meaning.
25. Puellis de popularibus .• * concerning the maidens of her
country.'
26. Pleniiis : ' in loftier strains.'
29. Utrumque : each, both Alcseus and Sappho.
30. Sed magis . . . vulgus .- ' but the crowd, pressing each
other's shoulders, listen with more willing ear to. accounts of
battles and of banished tyrants.'
34. Bellua centiceps : the monster Cerberus. See Class. Dict.
37. Pelopis parens : Tantalus. See Class. Dict.
38. Orion ■■ he was a famous hunter.
ODE XI.
The shortness of life and the inevitable event of death are
very feelingly set forth in this ode. But the argument and the
inference are, as usual with our poet, employed to enforce the
doctrine of a refined Epicureanism. Had the light of revelation
ODES. BOOK II. 289
been shed on his mind, he would not have considered the short-
ness of life as a reason only for enjoying it as it passed ; which
Is indeed good philosophy ; but he would have urged the ne-
cessity also of forming the character for a higher and a nobler
existence.
Who the person was, that is here addressed by the name of
Posthiimus (or Postiimus, as some say it should be written),
has not been ascertained. But it appears to have been a friend
whom Horace considered too parsimonious, and advises to a
more liberal enjoyment of his fortune.
5. JVon, si . . . enavigandd : the construction is, Non afFeret
moram, amice, si quotquot dies eunt, ptaces illacrymabilem Pluto-
na trecenis tauris ; Plutona qui compescit ter amplum Geryonen
Tityonque tristi undd, scilicet enavigandd omnibus quicunque
xescimur munere ttrrce.
23. Tnvisas .- ' forbidding,' 'mournful.' The cypress was sacred
to Pluto and Proserpine, and it was usually placed on the fune-
ral pile with the dead body. It was also placed before the door
where there was any one dead within.
24. Brevem .• ' short-lived.'
28. Pontificum potiore ccenis .- 'more delicious than that used
at the suppers of the pontiffs.'
ODE XII.
In this ode Horace contrasts the magnificence of the Ro-
mans of his time, in their buildings, plantations, gardens, and
pleasure grounds, with the frugality of their ancestors ; who
considered the public edifices, and the temples of the gods, the
noblest monuments of real grandeur, as well as of piety.
1. Jam: 'shortly,' ' soon.' — Regice moles .- ' the princely edi-
fices.'
4. Stagna .- ' fish-ponds.' By these the poet probably means
large portions of salt water inclosed from the sea by artificial
piers and dykes. — Platanus .- the plane tree was planted for
ornament only : whereas the elm was considered very useful
for the vines to run upon.
6. Et omnis . . . narium : ' and the whole tribe of sweet-scent-
ed flowers.'
8. Fertilibus . . . priori : ' which were formerly profitable to
their owner.'
9. Tum: 'soon'; i. e. the laurel will be made to grow so
thick, for the comfort of those walking, that the rays of the sun
will be excluded from the ground.
13. Privatus . . . brevis : ' then private fortunes were smal].'
— lllis : sc. auspiciis or temporibus.
14. JYulla . . . Arcton : i. e. no piazza of private individuals
was so constructed as to intercept the cool north vvind, and
keep it from others.
17. Fortuitum . . . cespitem : ' any land distributed by lot.'
290 NOTES.
ODE XIII.
This ode appears to have been written with a view to diverf
the mind of Pompeius Grosphus from some anxieties that
were at the time disturbing his peace, and to direct it to
the study of that true tranquillity which springs from well regu-
lated passions, and is wholly independent of external circum-
stances.
3. Certa •* i. e. as sure and visible guides to the mariners.
7. JVbn . . . venale : ' not to be purchased with precious stonesy
nor costly purple.'
11. Laqueata . . . volantes: 'which fly about the gilded ceil-
ings of the rich.'
14. Salinum : the salt-cellar is here put for any household
furniture ; meaning, the man whose unambitious mind is satis-
fied with the moderate and frugal mode of living practised by
his ancestors.
17. Quid . . . multa : ' why do we, vigorous for so short a
time only, aim at so many objects ? '
19. Mxdamus: the sense here is very obvious, but the lan-
guage is so peculiar as to lead to the conclusion that there is
some mistake in the text. Dr. Bentley and Wakefield have
proposed the following reading : Sole mutamus pairid ? Quis
exsul, &c. which Doering has adopted.
30. Minuit: ' wasted,' or dried up. See Class. Dict.
35. Te bis . . . lance : ' garments twice dyed in African pur-
ple clothe you.' Purple was brought from Meninx, an African
island, as well as from Tyre.
ODE XIV.
Msecenas being sick, apprehended that his dissolution was at
hand. This fear he repeatedly expressed in his complaints to
Horace, who in this ode intreats him to forbear using such dis-
tressing language to him. He assures him that it will be im-
possible for him to survive bis best friend and patron. He
shows, by a remarkable conformity in the events of their lives,
that their destinies are inseparably connected, particularly
in those accidents by which their lives had been endangered ;
and proposes tbat they should perform their sacrifices to the
gods in gratitude for their preservation.
' It is probable that this was not the last sickness of Msecenas,
but that he recovered from it.
6. Quid moror . . . integer : ' why should I, the other part, re-
main, since I should not be equally dear to any other, nor in-
deed survive you entire ? ' i. e. when you, a part of me, are
tuken off.
8. Utramque : for utriusque ; 'ofboth.'
ODES. BOOK II. 291
10. Sacramentum ; an allusion to the oath taken by soldiers,
who swear not to desert their standard ; so Horace says,
he had sworn not to be separated, even by death, from his
friend.
13. Chim<sr<£ : the Chimaera was a fabulous monster, having
the fore parts of a lion, the hinder parts of a dragon, and being
like a goat in the middle.
15. Sic : i. e. that we should be united in life and in death.
17. Seu Libra . . . undce : the construction is, Seu Libra, seu
fonnidolosus Scorpius, pars violentior natalis horce, aspicit me,
seu Capricornus tyrannus Hesperice undce. Libra was consider-
ed a fortunate sign, or constellation, to be born under ; but the
Scorpion and Capricorn were inauspicious. — Pars violentior na-
talis horce ; ' the most dangerous sign of our nativity.' — Aspicit
me : ' shines upon me ; ' i. e. sheds its influence; referring to
the horoscope, where reference is had to the sign, or the part
of the sign, which appears above the horizon at the moment of
birth.
23. Refulgens : this is a term in astrology, which signifies
shining in direct opposition. Saturn was said to have a bane-
ful influence on the fortunes of those born under his star.
25. Quum populus : this refers to the time when the people
applauded Maecenas at the theatre, on his first appearance after
a dangerous illness. See Book I. Ode XVII. 2. note.
30. Victimas : victima properly means a sacrifice of one of
the larger animals, such as bulls ; and hostia, of one of the
smaller kind, such as sheep or lambs. The difference of the
sacrifices of the patron and the poet may, therefore, have refer-
ence to their different rank and means.
ODE XV.
The poet in this ode censures the folly and extravagance of
the wealthy, in their buildings and manner of living. He
shows, by his own example, that an unambitious man, of a cul-
tivated mind, content with a competency and the affection of
his friends, is the truly happy man.
3. Trabes Hymettice. : from mount Hymettus ; the marble
from this mountain was in high repnte. That marble should
be employed where wood had always been deemed sufficient,
constituted a part of the extravagance which the poet censures.
4. Ultimd recisas Jifrica : i. e. made of marble of the most
costly and exquisite kind : "factus e marmore in remotiore Africce.
parte exciso, h. e. JYumidico, subnigro et variis maculis distincto."
Doering.
5. Attali: Attalus was king of Pergamus, and having no
legal heir, he made the Roman people heir to his immense
possessions. One Aristonicus, however, claiming to be of the
royal lineage, took possession of the throne and kingdom of
292 NOTES.
Attalus ; but he was afterwards seized, and carried to Rome,
where he was put to death by order of the senate.
7. JYec Laconicas . . . clientce : ■ ' nor do I keep under me la-
dies of noble birth to spin the purple of Sparta.' It is said that
the proud and wealthy patrons compelled their female clients
of the higher order to make their robes for them. The purple
from Sparta, with which they dyed their wool, was considered
the best in use among the Romans.
9. Fides : i. e. animi integritas.
12. Potentem amicum : sc. Msecenas, his patron.
14. Unicis Sabinis : sc. agris : ' with my Sabine farm alone.'
17. Tu secanda . . . locas .« ' yet you engage workmen to cut
yourmarble.' i. e. for building. Tu is applied indefinitely.
Locare signifies ' to let out by the job.'
20. Marisque . . . littora : ' and you are urgent to push the
shores further out into the sea at Baiae.' Baiis obstrepentis, i. e.
roaring or dashing against Baise ; which was a place of much
resort, on account of its pleasantness, the variety of its springs,
and the salubrity of the air.
24. Terminos : It was sacrilege, according to the laws of the
Twelve Tables, to remove the land-marks. Indeed the stone,
which marked the boundaries, was held so sacred that it was
deified by them as the god Terminus.
26. Salis : ' you encroach upon,' ' you overleap.'
32. Quid ultra tendis : ' why do you desire more ? ' since
death will overtake you before you can enjoy it.
33. Recluditur : i. e. for the burial.
34. Satelles Orci: Charon.
36. Auro captus : The fable here alluded to, in which the
cunning Prometheus is supposed to have attempted to bribe
Charon to ferry him back over the Styx, is not now known. —
Hic . . . coercet : ' he restrains beyond the Styx proud Tan-
talus and all his race.' Pelops, Atreus, Agamemnon, and Ores-
tes were the descendants of Tantalus.
38. Hic . . . audit: ' he is ready.' — Vocatus atque non voca-
tus : i. e. whether invoked or not, the messenger of death is
ready to conduct the poor man to a place of rest, when his toils
and sufferings are over.
ODE XVI.
Tliis ode was probably written for some festival in honour of
Bacchus ; and tlie poet seems to have caught the enthusiasm.
and to have become an actor in the scene he describes.
1. Carmina . . . docentem: i. e. teaching his worshippers how
to celebrate his mysteries. This was done in secret retirement,
in remotis rupibus.
5. Evoe : now feeling tbe inspiring influence of the god, he
exclaims Evoe, as they are wont to exclaim, who are celebrating
the orgies.
ODES. BOOK II. 293
6. Turbidinn Uctatur : ' exults tumultuously.'
7. Parce : ' spare me.' Feeling unable to bear the full in-
spiration of the god, he intreats him to forbear, and not to
strike him with his thyrsus ; for in this way Bacchus was sup-
posed to excite the phrenzy of his followers.
9. Thyiadas : the Thyiades were the infuriated Bacchanals,
or priestesses of Bacchus.
12. Iterare: i. e. iterum iterumque laudare. Doer. Bacchus
was supposed to produce, and cause an abundance of wine,
milk, and honey.
13. Fas et : and it it lawful for me to sing. — Conjugis : i. e.
Ariadne. She was said to be translated by Bacchus to the
heavens, and presented with a starry crown, called Gnossia
corona, or Seven Stars.
14. Penthei : Pentheus was a king of Thebes, who, for slight-
ing the rites of Bacchus, was torn to pieces by his own mother,
sisters, and aunt.
16. Lycurgi: Lycurgus king of Thrace, finding hfs sub-
jects too much addicted to wine, ordered all the vines in
his kingdom to be rooted up. For this offence Bacchus caused
him to go mad and to cut offhis own feet.
17. Mare barbarum: i. e. Indicum. Bacchus was said to
have extended his conquests to the Indus and the Ganges,
"20. Bistonidum : the Bistonides were the Thracian women,
Bacchanals.
23. Leonis : Bacchus is said to have tranformed himself into
a lion, and under this form to have fought the giants, and killed
Rhcetus.
25. Quanquam . . . dictus : ' although you were said to be
better suited to dances and scenes of mirth.'
29. Insons : without offering to hurt you. — Aureo cornu deco-
rum : ' graceful with your golden horns.' There are various
reasons, but none very satisfactory, why Bacchus is repre-
sented with horns.
ODE XVII.
Horace here predicts the glory and immortality of his name.
And with the true spirit of a poet he imagines himself al-
ready assuming the form and faculties of a swan, and soar-
ing above the earth, over which he is about to take his aerial
flight. As he will leave the humble abodes of men, so he
will shake off " this mortal coil," and cease to be an object of
human sympathy or sorrow. He wishes not for the empty hon-
ours of a burial, nor the waste of useless tears on his account,
since he shall not die.
1. Non usitatd . . . vates : ' I as a poet, in my two-fold cbarac-
ter, shall be borne on no common or feeble wing through the
liquid aether.' — Usitatd : this may mean ' of no common or ordi-
25*
294 NOTES.
nary kind ' ; or it may mean simply ' unused to flying.' — Biformis :
i. e. part man and part swan. " Bince formce, tam hominis, quam
cycni concessce sunV Doer.
5. JYon ego . . . obibo : ' I shall not, although the offspring of
humble parents, I shall not die, whom you, O Msecenas, call
beloved.' This is the common reading, and the usual rendering-
of the passage. But there seems to be some violence in
separating dilecte Mcecenas. Doering, with some others, point
it thus ; non ego, quem vocas, Dilecte Mcecenas, obibo : and
gives this explanation : " non ego, ut homo vulgaris, qualem tu
me nunc appellas, dilecte Mcecenas, et qualis tibi esse videor,
morti ero obnoxius."
9. Jamjam . . . pelles : ' already a rough skin contracts upon
my legs : ' i. e. they are assuming the appearance of a swan'slegs.
11. Superna : ' as to the parts above : ' i. e. my body.
17. Me Colchus : sc. noscet : shall know me. — Et qui . . .
Dacus : ' and the Dacian, who can dissemble his fear of the
Marsian cohort.' The Marsi, a people of Latium, were con-
sidered among the best of of the Roman soldiers, and much to
be feared by their enemies.
19. Peritus : sc. literarum : the Spaniards imitated the Ro-
mans in cherishing a-love of learning.
20. Discet : i. e. " cantibus meis attentas aures praibebit." Doer.
These distant and different nations, the poet says, shall learn
his fame and read his writings.
BOOK III.
ODE I.
In this beautiful ode Horace endeavours to show that happi-
ness does not depend on external circumstances. Rank and
fortune, however great their splendour, cannot silence the voice
of conscience. He only is the truly happy man who lives con-
tented with his lot, without being a slave to any passion, or
suffering any reproof from within.
1. Odi profanum vulgus : ' I despise the profane rabble.' By
' profane,' we may understand, the uninitiated. For he represents
himself here as the priest of the Muses, and as about to dictate
a sacred song to the boys and girls, who composed a choir for
the occasion, as in the Carmen Sceculare, and as in the hymn to
ODES. BOOK III. 295
Apollo and Diana, Book I. Ode XVIII. He could not bear the
rabble, because they understood not what was true wisdom.
2. Favete linguis : i. e. keep silence. This was a phrase
used at public and solemn sacrifices, to command silence and
attention.
4. Virginibus puerisque : these composed the choir.
5. Greges : kings are considered shepherds, and the peo-
ple their flocks. Dacier.
7. Clari . . . triumpho : ' illustrious from his conquest of the
giants.'
9. Est ut : i. e. contingit ut : ' it happens that.'
11. Campum : the election of the chief magistrates of Rome
was held in the Campus Martius. — Petitor : 'candidate.'
14. JVecessitas: sc. mortis.
17. Districtus . . . saporem : the construction is, Siculce dapes
non elaborabunt dulcem saporem ei, cui super impid cervice
districtus ensis pendet. This probably refers to the story of
Damocles, related by Cicero. See Tusc. Quest. Book V. 21 ;
or Class. Dict.
27. Arcturi cadentis : Arcturus is a constellation near the
Great Bear.
28. Hoedi : for Hadorum. These are two stars in the left
arm of Erichthonius. The rising of the Hozdi, and the setting of
Arcturus were usually attended with violent storms.
30. Mendax : that has disappointed his expectations.
34. Jactis in altum molibus ■• ' by the piers built out into the
sea.' — Huc frequens . . . fastidiosus : ' hither the undertaker,
with a crowd of workmen, lets down the stones, while the fas-
tidious owner looks on.' Doering makes this comment ; "fre-
quens cum famulis, pro cum frequente famulorum (operariorum)
turbd ; per ccementa (dicta quasi pro ccedimenta a casdendo, ut
ramenta pro radimenta a radendo) intellige lapides caesos, sed
rudes et informes."
41. Phrygius lapis : i. e. marble columns brought from Phry-
gia; this kind of marble was in high estimation.
44. Achcemeniumve costum : 'Persian ointment.' Th e costus,
or costum, was an expensive unguent of delightful odour. It is
called Achxmenium, from Achaemenes, king of Persia.
ODE II.
In as much as the Rornans had relaxed the strictness of their
discipline, and fallen into luxury and vice, the poet exhorts
them to commence a reform by educating their children differ-
ently. He intimates that they should early be inured to labour
and privation, that by enduring the hardships of warfare they
may prize the blessings of peace and frugality.
1. Amice : ' cheerfully.' By early habit they may be made to
live frugally without feeling it to be any privation.
5. Sub divo : i. e. in the field and in the camp.
296 NOTES.
7. Matrona bellantis tyranni : i. e. from the walls of a city
invested by the Romans, let the wife of some barbarian tyrant
look out and see the danger in which her lord is, and dread the
fierce Roman.
9. Eheu . . . ccedes : these are the words ofthe lady, in fear
of the harm which her husband may surTer from the Roman
soldier. — Rudis agminum : ' unskilled in warfare.'
11. Leonem : she compares the Roman to a lion, as expres-
sive of his strength and eourage.
16. Poplitibus : the enemy pursuing strikes the hams, or
back part of the legs, and the backs of those who have turned
in flight.
17. Repulsce nescia sordidce : ' that has never experienced a
dishonourable repulse.' This has reference to election to civil
offices.
19. Secures : i. e. fasces. Insignia consulatus et pr&turoz.
21. Virtus . . . vid : ' virtue, which opens heaven to those de-
serving immortality, strikes out a path for itself unknown to
others.'
25. Est et . . . merces : This seems to be another topic, relating
to fidelity in keeping what has been intrusted as a secret. It
may have reference to some violation of confidence, by divulg-
ing somc important secret, which took place about the time the
ode was written.
26. Cereris . . . arcanai : the mysteries of Ceres were held so
inviolably sacred, that any disclosure of them to the uninitiated
exposed the author to religious detestation, and even to capital
punishment. They were called Eleusinian mysteries, from
Eleusis, the town where they were celebrated. The process of
rnitiation was by a kind of infernal drama, imposing and hor-
rible beyond description.
28. Trabibus : i. e. roof.
30. JVeglectus : i. e. " hominum impietate lasus." Doer. — In-
ctslo addidit integrum : has involved the innocent in the same
puniBhment with the guilty.
ODE III.
This ode commences with an encomium on justice and con-
stancy ; and shows that many mortals have, by these virtues,
gained admission to the assemhly of the gods. But its main
object was to discourage the plan of making Troy, instead of
Rome, the seat of the empire, which Augustus was supposed
to be meditating. A design of this sort was generally believed
to have been formed by Julius Cssar, a short time before his
assassination ; and Augustus seemed disposed to carry out the
prqjects of his predecessor. To dissuade Augustus from a
measure so unpopular, the poet represents Juno, in a full assem-
bly of the gods, declaring that the Romans may continue to
ODES. BOOK III. 297
enjoy their supremacy, and to extend their empire, provided
they do not attempt to rebuild the walls of Troy ; but that,
should they attempt this, they should feel the effects of her re-
sentment, and rue the day that they rebuilt that detested city.
I. Justum ac . . . manus : the construction is, Non ardor ci-
vium jubentium prava, non vultus instantis tyranni, neque Auster,
lurbidus dux inquieti Hadrice, nec magna manus fulminantis
Jovis quatit virumjustum ac tenacem propositi a solidd mente.
9. Hdc arte ; i. e. by this firmness of purpose. — Vagus: this
epithet has reference to the wanderings of Hercules over the
earth, to accomplish the labours and hardships imposed on
him by Eurystheus.
II. Quos inter : i. e. among those, who by their perseverance
have gained admittance to the assembly of the gods, we must
reckon Caesar.
13. Merentem: ' deserving this honour ;' i. e. of being carried
to heaven.
17. Gratum eloquutd . . . divis : ' afler Juno had spoken what
was pleasing to the gods in council ; ' to this effect —
18. Hion . . .fraudulento : the construction is, Ex quo tem-
pore Laomedon destituit deos mercede pactd, fatalis incestusque
judex, et peregrina mulier vertit in pulverem Ilion, Ilion dam-
natum mihi castceque Minervaz cum populo et fraudulento duct.
19. Fatalis : i. e. ordained by fate to be the destruction of
his country. — Judex : he was the judge that awarded the gold-
en apple to Venus, which so incensed Juno.
21. Destituit . . . pactd : ' defrauded the gods of the pay-
ment promised.' The fable here alluded to states, that Laome-
don engaged Neptune and Apollo to assist him in building the
walls of Troy, and that he afterwards defrauded them of the
reward he had agreed to give them. Some explain this by say-
ing that Laomedon borrowed the consecrated gold and silver
from the temples of these gods, and neglected to repay it.
Laomedon was the son of Ilus, king of Troy.
22. Mihi . . .fraudulento : ' given over for punishment, to-
gether with its people and perfidious king, to me and the
chaste Minerva.' Damnatus was a term of the Roman law
which adjudged an insolvent debtor to his creditors ; in which
sense it is here used to express the condemnation of the Tro-
jans to the resentment of Juno and Minerva. Dacier.
25. JVec jam . . . hospes : i. e. the infamous Paris no longer
glitters before the licentious Helen. " Helena haud amplim
cultum Paridis etformam miratur." Mitsch.
28. Hectoreis opibus : ' by Hector's valour.'
31. Invisum nepotem : i. e. Romulus, who was considered as
the son of Mars, and consequently the grandson of Juno, was
hateful to her on account of his descent from Venus by An-
chises, the father of iEneas.
33. Marti redonabo : i. e. " donabo et concedam Marti, h. e. cth
298 NOTES.
ird et odio invisi mihi nepotis in Martis gratiam absistam." Doer.
— lllum : Romulus.
37. Dum . . . pontus : ' so long as an extended sea may rage
between Troy and Rome.'
43. Triumphatis : ' that have been vanquished by her.'
45. Horrenda : sc. Roma ; 'an object of terror.'
46. Medius liquor : ' the intervening sea,' ' the Mediterranean.'
49. Aurum . . . dextrd : Rome, I say, ' more powerful for
despising gold unsought for, and better placed while the earth
conceals it, than if she seized with rapacious hand what is
consecrated, and applied it to profane uses.'
50. Spernere : " Gr&ce, pro spernendo, dum spernit." Doer. —
Jtapere ; for rapiendo.
53. Obstitit : ' resists.'
55. Qud parte . . . rores : ' in what region the sun scorches,
in what the mists and rains prevail.'
66. Meis . . . Argivis : ' torn down by my Greeks.' Juno fa-
voured the Greeks, and therefore uses meis.
70. Qwo, Musa, tendis ? : the poet checks himself, as if he had
rashly been hurried into matters too high for the lyric muse.
ODE IV.
After the civil wars were ended, Augustus turned his atten-
tion to the arts of peace. He particularly cherished learning
and learned men. Tn this ode Horace thanks the Muses for the
iavours they had bestowed on him, and especially for the friend-
ship and protection of Augustus, which he ascribes entirely to
their influence. He intimates that a love of poetry and elegant
literature had inspired his patron with nobler sentiments and
feelings than those of revenge and party strife.
2. Regina: i. e. O Calliope, regina Musarum, descende e
ccb/o, a,ge dic longum melos tibid. Calliope is here called queen
of the Muses, because she was their eldest sister, whence she
particularly presided over heroic poetry, and was attendant on
kings. Sanadon.
5. Auditis ? : ' do you hear her ? ' The poet seems already to
imagine his prayer granted, and that Calliope had descended
from heaven, and asks those about him if they hear her.
9. Me .- the construction is, fabuloscB palumbes texere novd
fronde me puerum, kc. — Vulture: Vultur, or Vulturnus, was a
mountain of Apulia, which extended into Lucania. The part of
the mountain where Horace played was near the boundary
line ; so that he fell asleep, as he says, extra limen altricis Apu-
li(B ; ' beyond the bounds of my native Apulia.'
13. Mirum . . . Acherontice : ' which was matter of astonish-
ment to all, who inhabit the town of lofty Acherontia.' This
was a small town on the top of a high hill, which the poet calls
nidus, ' a bird's nest,' from its situation.
ODES. BOOK III. 299
15. Saltusque Bantinos : Bantia was a town surrounded by
forests. This and Forentum were both situated near the bor-
ders of Apulia and Lucania.
18. Premerer : i. e. tegerer, defensarer.
21. Vester, Camcence : ' I am under your protection, O Muses.'
22. Tollor: i. e. ascendo ; his country-seat was up in the Sa-
bine territory. — Frigidum : because placed on the top of a hill.
24. LiquidcB . . . Baice : liquidce refers to the character of the
waters at Baiae, which caused that to be a place of frequent
resort.
26. Philippis . . . retro : ' the defeat of our army at Philippi.'
It will be recollected that Horace was at the battle of Philippi,
and left his shield there not very much to his credit. See Book
II. Ode V. 10. note.
28. Palinurus : this is a promontory on the coast of Lucania,
so called from Palinurus, the pilot of ^Eneas. It is extremely
dangerous to mariners, on account of its latent rocks, and had
nearly proved fatal to Horace.
29. Utcunque : i. e. " quandocunque, dum." Doer.
33. Hospitibus fcros : it is said that the ancient Britanni used
to sacrifice strangers.
34. Concanum: " de hoc barbaro more, quo Concani, Canta-
brice in Hispanid Tarraconensi populus, sanguinis equini potu
delectati esse dicuntur, nihil quidem aliunde constat." Doer.
36. Scythicum . . . amnem : i. e. the Tanais.
41. Vos . . . almce : i. e. You, O divine Muses, inspire Csesar
with mild counsels, and delight to see him pursue the course
recommended.
42. Scimus ut: sc. Jupiter.
49. Magnum illa . . . brachiis : the construction is, llla hoiTi-
da juventus fidens brachiis inhderat magnum timorem Jovi. ' that
dreadful band of youth, trusting to their powerful arms,' &c.
51. Fratrcsque* i. e. Titclnes.
53. Sed quid Typhccus . . . ruentes : {. e. what can Typhceus and
the most powerful of giants do against Minerva.
58. Hinc : on the side of Jupiter.
59. Hinc : on the side of Jupiter. — Et ; sc. Apollo.
65. Vis consili expers : ' force void of reason.'
66. Provehunt in majus : ' increase.'
71. Orlon : this was a celebrated hunter, who, in attempting
to offer violence to Diana, was slain by an arrow from her bow.
73. Injecta . . . suis : ' the earth, thrown upon her own mon-
strous productions, grieves.' The giants that attempted to scale
heaven were the sons of Earth, or Terra. The mountains,
which they piled up, were thrown upon themselves.
78. Ales : the vulture that preyed upon the bowels of Tityus.
79. Amatorem . . . Pirithoiim : Pirithoils descended with
Theseus to the infernal regions to bring away Proserpine ; but
Pluto being apprized of it, put him in chains.
300 NOTES.
ODE V.
This ode seems to have been written in honour of Auo-ustusv
It sets forth his achievements and represents him as the guar-
dian god of the Roman people.
1. Ccelo . . . regnare : ' we have been accustomed to believe
that Jove reigns in heaven from hearing him thunder there.'
% Prcesens divus : ' a god upon earth.' i. e. so Augustus by
his conquests and his services to his country shall be hailed as
a visible divinity. Presens has tbis signification, and not pro-
pitius,favens, as some have supposed.
4. Persis: Itis saidthat Phraates, king of the Parthians, after
being restored to his throne, was so alarmed merely at the re-
port that Augustus was about to make war upon him, that he
voluntarily sent an embassy to him and offered to restore tha
military standards that had been lost several years before at
the defeat of Crassus. The Parthians are here meant by Per-
sis. Augustus did not in reality subdue either the Britons or
Parthians, but the people submitted to the authority of his
name. See Book I. Ode XXI. 3. note.
5. Milesne . . . vixit : i. e. " Miles Crassi, a Parthis ignomi-
niosd clade affecti, potuitne captivus cum conjuge alienigend w-
vere ? " Jaeck.
7. Proh curia . . . mores : ' ah degenerate senate, and corrupt
manners ! '
10. Anciliorum : i. e. the twelve sacred shields preserved by
the Salii, as the pledges of empire, one of which was supposed
to have dropped from heaven. — Togce : the toga was considered
as the distinguishing rnark of a Roman.
13. Reguli: Regulus, being taken captive by the Carthagini-
ans, was sent to Rome on parole of honour, to treat of an ex-
change of prisoners. Instead of advising this measure, by
which he would himself have been restored to his country, he
dissuaded the senate from it, as against their interest to ex-
change the young and vigorous Carthaginians for the less effi-
ciont Romans. He returned and surrendered himself to his
enemies ; who, being enraged at his conduct, put him to death
by the most cruel tortures.
15. Et exemplo . . . cevum : ' and from an example bringing
mischief to the coming age.'
17. Immiserabilis : " pro immiserata ; i. e. si redimeretur.''1
Doer.
23, Et arva . . . nostro : ' and I saw the fields, which we had
laid waste by war, now cultivated.' Regulus had conquered
the Carthaginians and laid waste iheir territory almost to the
walis of their city, beforc the shameful defeat which the indo-
lence of his soldiers brought upon him.
38. Pacem duello miscuit: ' he confounds peace with war,' by
ODES. BOOK III. 301
asking for quarter when his arms were in his hands, from which
alone he should have sought safety.
39. Probrosis . . . ruinis : ' raised higher on the shameful
ruins of Italy.'
42. Ut capitis minor : " minuitur capite, qui, amissa libertate,
desinit esse in civium numero."
45. Donec . . . dato : ' until, by becoming the author of ad-
vice never before given, he settled the wavering minds of the
senators.'
53. Longanegotia 'the tedious lawsuits.'
55. Tendens : i. e. going into the country to relax himself
from the labour by which he had been confined among his
clients.
ODE VI.
This ode is a kind of moral address to the Romans, in which
the poet ascribes their calamities to their corrupt manners, and
neglect of religion. He therefore endeavours to dissuade them
from their impiety, and intimates that the gods would bring
upon them still heavier punishments, if they did not repair their
temples and respect their worship. He says the Romans were
formerly a brave and virtuous people, that they cultivated their
lands and extended their empire ; but that time had been
gradually undermining their virtues, and thus every succeeding
generation had been worse than that which preceded it, till
they had come to their present degenerate condition.
5. Dis . . . imperas : ' you hold your empire, because you con-
duct as inferior to the gods.'
8. Hesperice : Italy.
9. Monases et Pacori manus .• ' Monseses and the army of
Pacorus.' Monaeses and Pacorus, two distinguished generals
of the Parthians, had each defeated the Romans.
11. Et adjecisse . . . renidet .• ' and are pleased to have enrich-
ed their collars with the spoils taken from our soldiers.' The
Parthians wore small chains about their necks. These they
rendered more valuable by the gold, precious stones, &c. taken
from the slaughtered Romans.
17. JVuptias : i. e. have violated the laws and sanctity of the
marriage rite.
21. Ionicos: i. e. lascivos: the wanton dances of the Ionians
are proverbial.
22. Fingitur artibus .- i. e. is educated or trained to seduc-
tive arts ; artibus is in the dative case.
24. De tenero . . . ungui : ' from childhood ' ; this is a common
expression with the Romans.
25. Non his juventus, «Sfc. .- the meaning is, ' it was not youth
born of such corrupt parents, that formerly fought the battles
of our country.'
26
302 NOTES.
30. Sabellis . . . ligonibus : ' with Sabine spades.'
35. Amicum tempus . . . curru : ' restoring in his descending
chariot the grateful time ' of rest.
ODE VII.
A festival was observed with much religious pomp by the
Roman ladies on the first of March, in memory of the day on
which the Sabine women reconciled, and made peace betvveen
the Sabines and their husbands, who had seized them. On this
day too they had dedicated a temple to Juno, in which they an-
nually orTered sacrifices to that goddess. While theladies were
engaged in their offerings to Juno, their husbands sacrificed to
Janus. After these religious services were over, the ladies re-
ceived presents from their husbands and other friends, as an
acknowledgment of the favour conferred by their happy media-
tion. The Calends of March were called Matronalia, or Ma-
tronales Ferice.
We may suppose that Msecenas, in a visit to the poet early
on the Calends of March, had expressed some surprise at finding
him employed in preparations for a domestic feast, as Horace
was not a married man. This ode was written in consequence,
in which Horace informs him of the reason, and invites him to
be present at the entertainment.
I. Martiis . . . linguce : the construction is, O Ma?cenas, docte
sermones utriusque linguce, miraris quid ego ccelebs agam kalen-
dis Martiis, quid flores velint, et acerra plena thuris, carboque
positus in vivo cespite.
5. Docte . . . MngucB : ' learned in both Greek and Latin.'
This means no more than a complimentary salutation ; as vir
eruditissime.
7. Libero : the poet here ascribes his preservation to Bac-
chus ; whereas in Book II. Ode XIV. 28, he attributes the same
kind office to Faunus. As both these divinities were supposed
to have poets under their protection, Dacier thinks it may be
the same god under different names ; and that a goat was of-
fered to him under the name of Bacchus, and a sheep when
he was called Faunus.
II. InstilutcB : i. e. cceptce.
13. Amici sospitis : sc. in gratiam ; i. e. ob amicum sospitem.
15. Perfer in lucem: 'continue till daybreak.'
17. Mitte civiles : Msecenas, in the absence of Augustus, had
the government of Rome.
18. Daci Cotisonis : Cotlso was king of the Daci, or Getae.
He had made inroads into the Roman territory ; but was re-
pulsed by Lentulus.
. 21. Sei-vit . . . Cantaber : the war in Spain continued more
than two hundred years before the Cantabrians were perfectly
subdued.
ODES. BOOK III. 303
25. Negligens . . . cavere • ' relaxing your anxiety, since you
are a private man, do not be too solicitous about public con-
cerns.' — Privaius : although Msecenas was prsefect of Rome,
yet, as compared with the emperour, he is properly called a pri-
vate man. Others understand it thus : 'Divest yourself of your
public character and assume that of a private citizen for the
present occasion.'
ODE VIII.
Horace had formed an attachment to Lyde, who, being
young and a stranger to love, paid little regard to his profes-
sions. The poet therefore addresses this ode to Mercury, in-
treating him to inspire a song, the strains of which may make
an impression on the obdurate fair one. And we gather from
the XXII. Ode of this Book that he did not write in vain.
1. Te . . . magistro : * under your instruction.'
5. JYec loquax olim : before Mercury conceived the plan of
forming the lyre, no music was made upon the testudo or tor-
toise shell.
9. Tu potes . . . silvas : this alludes to the fable of Orpheus.
17. Tityos .- or Tityus ; the Greek termination is in os.
18. Urna : this was the pitcher or vessel with which the
water was taken up and poured into the tub or cask (dolium),
having holes in its bottom.
19. Danai : For the story of the Danaldes, see Class. Dict.
91. Audiat Lyde ; i. e. let Lyde hear what punishments
await hard-hearted maidens.
29. Una .- Hypermnestra was the only one of all the flfty
daughters of Danaus, who did not kill her husband on their mar-
riage night, according to the command of their father.
30. Perjurum .- he is called perjured, because he had violated
the faith and sanctity of a father-in-law, which he had pledged
to his son-in-law.
47. Et nostri . . . querelam « i. e. and engrave upon my tomb-
stone an epitaph that shall perpetuate the sad remembrance of
my love.
ODE IX.
Near to Horace's villa, in the Sabine territory, there was a
beautiful fountain, called the fountain of Bandusia, from the
name of the place in which it was situated. In accordance
with the popular belief that some spirit or Genius presided over
each fountain, our poet proposes to offer a sacrifice to this, and
to consecrate it to immortality.
2. Dulci digne mero : i. e. worthy of the wine he intends to
pour out in libation.
6. Frustra : he was in vain destined to be the leader of the
flock, since he will be sacrificed.
304 NOTES.
9. Cariicula •' the heat of the scorching dog-star, Sirius,
could not penetrate the cool recesses of the fountain. — Atrox .-
* oppressive.'
13. Fontium .- sc. unus.
14. Me dicente : i. e. when I celebrate the grove that spreads
its branches over the rocks from which your gushing waters
fall.
ODE X.
It is stated in the introductory reraarks to Ode XXIX. of
Book I. that Augustus was preparing for two expeditions at the
time that ode was written ; the one destined to Arabia, under
Gallus, and the other against the Britons, which he headed in
person. Having met on his march a deputation from Britain,
which accepted the terms ofTered by him, he turned his march
into Spain ; where he continued somewhat more than three
years, till he subdued the Cantabrians ; and returned to Rome
in the year of the city 730, when this ode was written on the
occasion.
1. Herculis ritu : ' after the manner of Hercules.' It is said
that Hercules entereji Spain, and having penetrated as far as
the Straits of Gibraltar, set up his pillars there, and returned to
Latium.
2. Morte . . . laurum .- i. e. for the sake of conquering his
enemies, he encountered the danger of death. — Morte : sc. quce-
sitd .- c by braving death.'
5. Unico . . . divis : i. e. and let the chaste Livia, his wife,
having paid her vows to the benignant gods, come out to meet
her peerless husband. " Unico .• egregio, prastantissimo." Doer.
7. Et soror : Octavia, who had been married, first to Mar-
cellus, and afterwards to Antony.
11. Virum experta .- i. e. nupta. — MaU ominatis . . . verbis :
1 refrain from ill-omened words.' i. e. do not say that this dread-
ful war will break the marriage tie; but rather give thanks,
that you are restored to each other's embraces again.
18. Marsi memorem duelli : i. e. wine made as long ago as
the war begun by the Marsi ; the Social war, so called.
19. Spartacum : Spartacus was a notorious gladiator, who,
putting himself at the head of a number of gladiators, which
was increased by immense multitudes of slaves, ravaged all
Italy. Horace could hardly have expressed the character
of this predatory scene better than by doubting whether a
cask of wine had escaped Spartacus.
21. ArgutcE : i. e. canorce.
22. Myrrhinum : usually, myrrheum ; l perfumed with myrrh.'
23. Janitorem: he tells his servant boy, if he meets with any
difficulty in conveying his message to Nesera, to come away
without making a disturbance.
ODES. BOOK III. 305
25. Lenit albescens .• he says, gray hairs render a man more
patient in bearing affronts.
ODE XI.
In this ode Horace attempts to show the mischief produced
by riches ; and declares that he is much happier without them,
than he should be, were he possessed of the wealth of the In-
dies.
I. Danaen : for the story of Dana€, see Class. Dict.
5. Acrisium : Acrisius was the father of Danae and king of
the Argives.
7. Fore enim : sc. sciebant
II. Auguris Argivi: the family of the augur Amphiaraus
was utterly overthrown by the avarice of his wife Eriphyle,
who was bribed to betray him. See Class. Dict.
14. Vir Macedo ■• Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander
the Great. He was notorious for bribing the governours of
cities and strong places by presents. He often said there was
no difficulty in making himself master of any fort, if the gate
were large enough to admit a camel loaded with silver.
15. Munera . . . sazvos .• " referunt ad Menodorum, vel Menam,
qui muneribus corruptus a Pompeio, cujus classi prsefectus
fuerat, ad Augustum, et ab eo vicissim ad illum defecisse tra
ditur : scevos, h. e. fortes." Doer.
19. Tollere verticem t ' to raise my head.'
22. A dis pluraferet : sc. tanto ; ' so much the more shall he
receive from the gods.'
31. Fulgentem . . . beatior : 'yields a pleasure unknown to
the king of fertile Africa, and is a lot happier than his.' — Fallit ;
sc. eum ; * escapes him ' ; ' is unknown to him.'
38. Tu dare deneges : ' would you, Maecenas, refuse to give.'
Dacier imagines that the poet's principal object in writing this
ode was to thank Maecenas for a little dwelling which he
had given him ; and to assure his patron that he was happier
with this than if he had made him governour of a province or
a kingdom.
41. Quam si . . . continuem : 'than if I should join the king-
dom of Alyattes to the fertile fields of Mygdonia.' — Alyattes, -is,
or Alyatteus, -ei ; he was the king of Lydia, and father of Crce-
sus, famed for his riches.
ODE XII.
iElius Lamias, to whom this ode was addressed, was a per-
son of illustrious family and considerable estate. He had risen
by his personal merit to the rank of lieutenant-general in the
Spanish war under Augustus. He so demeaned himself in this
office as to gain the esteem and respect of the army. Horace
26*
306 NOTES.
therefore compliments him on the hereditary honours, which he
so well sustained ; and upon which his own character and
achievements had shed additional lustre, And since he pre-
dicts a storm on the morrow, he invites Lamias to pass the day
with him.
1. JEli . . . late tyrannus : the construction is, JEli, nobilis ab
vetusto Lamo, quandoferunt et priores Lamias hinc denominatos
esse, et omne genus nepotum per memores fastos ducit originem
ab illo auctore, qui princeps dicitur incoluisse moznia Formiarum,
et lath tyrannus tenuisse Lirim innantem littoribus Marica,
2. Hinc : i. e. a Lamo ; from this Lamus, king of the Lasstry-
gones, the former Lamiae derived their name.
4. Fastos : these were the registers or annals, in which was
kept the record of the family of the Lamiae, as well as that of
other noble families, and of public affairs.
7. Et innantem . . . Lirim .• i. e. and held under his sway
the river Liris, which flows into the sea through the marshes of
Minturnse. " Ager Minturnensis designatur per fluvium Lirim,
qui illum transit, et per paludes Minturnenses in mare diffundi-
tur." Doer. — J\Iaricce : Marica was a nymph, the wife of Fau-
nus, and mother of Latinus, who presided over Minturnse, and the
regions about it ; hence littoribus Maricce, for ' the marshes of
Minturnse.'
9. Cras . . . cornix : the construction is, Cras tempestas, de-
missa ab Euro, sternet nemus foliis multis, et littus inutili algd,
nisi annosa cornix, augur aquce,fallit me.
14. Genium . . . curabis : ' you shall honour your guardian
genius ' ; i. e. indulge in festivity.
ODE XIII.
The Romans believed that many of their gods passed their
summers in one country, and their winters in another. Faunus
was of this number. He was supposed to come into Italy onthe
13th of February, and to return to Arcadia on the 5th of De-
cember. Both these days were observed by sacrifices and fes-
tivity in honour of Faunus, who was supposed to preside over
their flocks and fields. This ode was probably written for one
of his festivals. In the first part, the poet intreats Faunus, if
he pays him due honours, to smile upon his fields and preserve
the tender offspring of his flocks ; and in the second, he sets
forth the joy of the village on the return of his autumnal feast,
when man and beast will relax from their toil, and rejoice in
the bounty of their benefactor.
3. Jlbeasque . . . alumnis : ' and may you depart propitious to
the young of my flocks.'
6. Veneris sodali : he calls the cratera the companion of Ve-
nus, since the wine is poured from it in libations to her.
10. Tibi Nonce redeunt : the nones of December were the
season of the autumnal feast to Faunus.
ODES. BOOK III. 307
16. Ter pede terram: a part of the festivities on this occasion
consisted in dancing.
ODE XIV.
It seems that Murena had been chosen augur, and that seve-
ral of his friends had met together in honour of the occasion ;
and that among them were Horace, and another poet named
Telephus, vho was a greatscholar, and who undertook to enter-
tain the company with some grave discussion on ancient history.
Horace interrupts him by intimating that it were better to in-
quire where the best wine was to be had, with the requisites for
an entertainment, that they might drink their friend's health in
honour of his new appointment. The hint succeeded, and we
are to imagine our poet in the midst of the entertainment,
giving orders for the manner of drinking, as though he were
king of the feast.
1. Quantum: i. e. O Telephus, you relate how many ages
passed between Inachus and Codrus, who devoted himself to
death for his country.
6. Quis . . . ignibus : ' who will get the baths ready.' The
Romans always bathed before they sat down to their entertain-
ments.
7. Quo prabente . . . taces : ' who will furnish a house, and at
what hour I shall find it well warmed, you say not a word about
all this.'
9. Da Lunce : sc. poculum in honorem.
13. Qui Musas . . . vates .• the construction is, Vates, qui amat
impares Musas, attonitus petet ter ternos cyathos.
14. Attonitus .- i. e. " furore poetico correptus." Doer.
24. Vicina ; i. e. our fair neighbour here, too young to be
the wife of envious old Lycus.
ODE XV.
M. Valerius Messala Corvinus having engaged to sup with
Horace, the poet makes this address to a jar of choice old
wine, by which he intimates that he shall give his friend wine
as old as himself. He goes on in praise of wine, recount-
ing its wonderful powers.
1. O nata . . . pia testa: i. e. O pia (sacra) testa, quce contines
vinum natum (expressum) eodem anno quo natus sum. He calls
the jar pia, because it was made the same year in which he
was born himself.
5. Quocunque . . . die : ' you are worthy to be brought forth
on this happy day, who preserve the Massic wine, whatever be
the end for which it was chosen.' Doer.
7. Descende ■• wine was kept in the upper part of the house.
10. Sermonibus : ' philosophy.' — Horridus .- * severe,' ' stern.'
308 NOTES.
13. Lene tormentum .- " Blanditur ebrietas, et extorquet plerum-
que animi gravitatem." Vet. Schol.
18. Cornua : * courage.'
19. Post te : i. e. after drinking freely. — Trementi : ' fearing.'
22. Segnesque . . . Gratice : ' and the Graces, who are slow to
loose their knot' The Graces are rerepresented as holding
each other's hands, to show that they are inseparably united.
23. Vivce : ' burning.'
ODE XVI.
The kind offices of Diana being briefly named, the poet, as
an expression of gratitude for some favour, consecrates to her a
favourite pine tree, that shaded his country seat, and promises
to sacrifice to her a boar yearly, whose blood should sprinkle
the tree.
4. Diva triformis : this goddess was called Luna in heaven ;
Diana upon earth ; and Proserpine in the infernal regions.
5. Tua pinus esto : ' let the pine tree be sacred to thee. —
Villce •• sc mece.
6. Per exactos . . . annos : ' yearly.' " Exacto enim anno, re-
curruntferice."
ODE XVII.
Phidyle was a rustic woman, and, as most commentators sup-
pose, the poefs house-keeper in the country. She seems to
have imbibed the opinion that sacrifices to the gods were more
or less acceptable in proportion to their intrinsic value. Horace
in this ode attempts to convince her, that the gods regarded the
disposition of mind with which sacrifices were offered, rather
than the costliness of the gifts ; that purity of life and good
intentions were of most importance ; and that with these any
ofFerings, however small, were acceptable.
1. Supinas : when the ancients prayed to the celestial gods
they raised their hands ' with the palms upwards ' ; but turned
them downwards when they addressed the infernal gods.
2. Nascente Lund : the occasions were very numerous on
which it was supposed proper to make sacrifices to the gods ;
Horace would imply that once a month, ' at the new moon,'
was sufficient, and then it was not necessary to be extravagant.
3. Hornd •• i. e. prcesentis anni. Adj. hornus, -a, -um.
7. Dulces alumni : i. e. agni, hcedi ; sc. sentient.
9. Nam, quce . . . tinget : the construction is, Nam victima
diis devota, quce pascitur nivali Algido inter quercus et ilices, aut
crescit in Albanis herbis, tinget cervice secures pontificum. The
meaning is, that these victims are designed for public sacrifices,
which may with propriety be more magnificent than those of
private individuals, who ought to make their offerings propor-
tionate to their station and abilities.
ODES. BOOK III. 309
15. Parvos . . . myrto : ' crowning your little household gods
with rosemary and tender myrtle.' This is enough. You need
not attempt to appease them by the slaughter of many victims.
17. Immunis .- sc. sceleris ; i. e. ' pure.'
18. JYon sumptuosd . . . micd : ' it has appeased the angry gods
with pious meal and crackling salt, and would not have been
more acceptable with a costly sacrifice.'
ODE XVIII.
In this ode Horace inveighs against luxury and extravagance
as the prevailing vices of the age. The ode may be considered
as consisting of three parts. In the iirst, the poet exposes the
licentious enormities of the age ; in the second, he shows
their causes ; and in the third, points out their proper reme-
dies.
1. Intactis . . . caput : the construction is, Licet occupes omne
Tyrrhenum et Jipulicum mare tuis ccementis, opulentior intactis
thesauris Arabum et divitis lndice, tamen si dira JYecessitas Jigit
adamantinos clavos summis verticibus, non expedies animum me-
tu, nec caput laqueis mortis. — Intactis : i. e. " nondum attrectatis ;
integris adhuc." Doer. The Romans had not yet succeeded in
their attempts to conquer Arabia Felix.
3. Ccementis : i. e. the materials for building, such as stones
and mortar. See Book III. Ode I. 34. note.
6. Verticibus : some suppose the tops of the houses of persons
destined to death to be meant by sumrnis verticibus; others sup-
pose it to mean their heads.
9. Campestres •• " qubd in campis sine tectis vivunt."
15. Defunctumque . . . vicarius .- ' and another, on like con-
dition, succeeds him who has performed his year's labour.'
17. lllic . . . innocens : the construction is, lllic innocens
mulier [noverca] temperat privignis carentibus matre. — Tempe-
rat privignis : ' treats kindly the children by a former marriage.'
24. Et peccare : there were four things which seemed to have
influence in securing the happiness of marriage among the
Scythians ; a virtuous education, an attachment of wives to
their husbands, their horror of conjugal infidelity, and the
severity of their laws in punishing that crime with death.
27. Si quceret . . . postgenitis .- ' if he wishes to have written
beneath his statues, Father ofhis country, let him dare to curb
the overwhelming spirit of licentiousness, and he will become
renowned to posterity.'
30. Quatenus : ' in as much as ' ; ' since.'
42. Magnum . . . opprobrium : i. e. what do laws avail if
' poverty, now esteemed a great disgrace,' &c.
45. Vel nos in Capitolium : The poet says, if we really wish
to put an end to this luxury and vice, and to return to our
primitive simplicity, let us either carry our superfluous wealth
310 NOTES.
into the Capitol, and consecrate it to the gods, as an offering ;
or else let us throw it into the sea, as desecrated, and the
source of our guilt.
58. Seu malis .- ' or whether you prefer.' There was a law
against playing dice, and all games of hazard.
59. Quam perjura . . . properet : i. e. while in the mean time
the perfidious father, to amass wealth for this unworthy heir,
cheats without distinction his partner and his host.
ODE XIX.
Horace, under pretence of being inspired by Bacchus, in-
dulges in the praises of Augustus more extravagantly than
might otherwise seem proper.
3. Mente novd : ' with new inspiration.' — Quibus . . . Jovis :
the construction is, In quibus antris meditans ceternum de-
cus egregii Ctcsaris audiar inserere illum stellis et consilio Jo-
vis?
9. Exsomnis . . . Evias : ' the waking Bacchant,' or priestess
of Bacchus.
12. Devio : l wandering.'
14. O Naiadum . .^.fraxinos : ' O powerful king of the Naiads
and Bacchantes, who are able with their hands to tear up the
tall ash-trees.'
ODE XX.
In this little ode Horace declares that he will not in future
hearken to the dictates of a hurtful passion, to which he had
been too long a slave. And it must be said, to his credit, that
he did actually give up, at the age of forty, when this ode was
written, his former habits of sensual indulgence. Though from
what he says, we have some reason to believe that resentment
had some share in forming the resolution to do so.
3. JVunc arma . . . custodit : it was usual to offer at the tem-
ple of some god the instruments of an art, which was discon-
tinued. In this case the temple of Venus was selected vvith
great propriety.
5. Lcevum . . . latus : he hangs up the arms of his midnight
revelry on the eastern wall of the temple, on the left side of
the goddess. For the statues of the gods were so placed as to
face the south ; consequently the east, which was esteemed the
happy quarter of the heavens, was on their left hand.
6. Ponite : the address is made to the attendants, who were
to deposit the arms as ordered.
8. Oppositis . . . minaces : ' threating the doors closed against
us.' — Funalia et vectes et arcus : ' torches, bars, and bows.'
These were to repulse the guards which the ladies might have
for their defence, and to force open the doors.
ODES. BOOK III. 311
11. Sublimi . . . arrogantem: 'chastise with one sraart blow
the arrogant Chloe.'
ODE XXI.
There is a difficulty in comprehending the meaning of this
ode fully ; as the person addressed under the name of Galatea
is not known. Nor are the circumstances or object of the con-
templated voyage understood.
1. Impios . . . ab ortu : the drift of these twelve lines seems
to be this : May all those omens, which are usually esteemed
inauspicious by persons about to commence a journey, happen
to the wicked ; but may those be favourable which attend the
departure of her for whose safety I am anxious. — Impios . . .
ducat : 'may the cry of an ill-omened bird attend the guilty.'
It is not certain what kind of bird is meant by parra.
5. Rumpat : ' thwart ' ; ' interrupt.'
6. Si per . . . mannos : ' if, shooting across the road like an
arrow, it has frightened the horses.' — Mannos : small, swift
horses, or nags.
7. Ego cui . . . ab ortu : the construction is, Providus auspex
prece suscitabo illi, cui cgo timebo, oscinem corvum ab ortu solis,
antequam avis divina imminentum imbrium repetat stantes pa~
ludes. — Divina ; 'knowing beforehand.' Birds which gave
omens by their singing were called oscines : tbose that gave
them by their fliglit were called prcepetes, or alites. When the
crow or raven repaired to the margin of a lake to bathe itself
in the water, this was thought to forebode a storm ; and the voice
of this bird, when heard from the east, was considered a good
omen.
15. L&vus . . . picus : ' the ill-boding woodpecker.'
19. Novi : ' know by experience.' — Et quid . . . lapyx : * and
how deceitful is the serene Iapyx.'
24. Verbere : sc. fluctuum: ' vvith the lashing surge.'
28. Palluit audax : i. e. she, who had dared to trust herself
to the back of a bull, now grew pale at the sight of sea-mon-
sters. This is an allusion to the fable of Jupiter and Europa.
31. JVbcte sublustri : ' by star-light.'
35. Pietas : ' filial affection.'
41. Porta . . . eburnd : true dreams were said to pass through
a gate of horn ; false dreams, through one of ivory.
55. Speciosa : ' while my comeliness remains.'
57. Vilis Europe, . . . quid mori cessas : she imagines her
angry father to upbraid her in these words, which continue to
pellex, in the 66th verse.
61. Acuta leto: ' sufliciently sharp to kill you."'
68. Filius : Cupid.
69. Abstineto . . . irarum • ' abstain from your anger.' By
aGreek construction. See Lat. Gram. Rule XVI. Obs. 1.
312 NOTES.
75. Sectus orbis : ' a division of the globe ' ; the globe being
divided.
ODE XXII.
In this ode Horace makes known to Lyde his intention to
pass the day of Neptune's feast at her house ; away from the
noise and bustle of the eelebration. He exhorts her to relax
her sobriety a little, and to bring forth her old wine.
3. Strenua : Grsece pro strenue, ' promptly.' As he writes,
he imagines himself already at her house, and urges her to put
off her gravity and bring forth her choice wine.
8. Cessantem : ' waiting,' for a call.
12. Cynthice : Diana.
13. Summo carmine : sc. cantabimus Venerem.
ODE XXIII.
This ode was addressed to Msecenas, when he was prsefect
of Rome, and the whole weight and responsibility of the gov-
ernment rested on him. Horace intreats him to lay aside pub-
lic cares for a short time, and to attend a frugal entertainment
at his Sabine villa.
1. Tyrrhena: pro Tyrrhenorum.
2. JVbn ante verso : ' as yet unbroached.' The ancients placed
their jars, or casks, upright ; and poured the wine out by turn-
ing them partially down, instead of drawing it out, as we do.
4. Balanus : a choice unguent for the hair, expressed from a
kind of fruit commonly called myrobalanum.
8. Telegoni juga parricidce : ' the hills of the parricide Tele-
gonus.' Telegonus, son of Ulysses by Circe, having killed his
father without knowing him, went to ltaly and built Tusculum
on a hill.
10. Molem : from his lofty palace on the ^Esquiline Hill,
which Horace calls molem, Maecenas could see the three cities
before mentioned.
13. Vices : ' variety ' ; ' changes.'
16. Explicuere : ' have smoothed.'
17. Jam clarus . . . ignem .- i. e. now the bright constellation
Cepheus shows his fiery stars hitherto concealed. Cepheus, the
father of Andromeda, gave his name to a constellation near the
tail of the little bear. This constellation rises about the 9th of
July. It was therefore very hot when this invitation was given
to Mascenas.
18. Procpon : a constellation so called from its rising just be-
fore the dog-star, Canicula. — Furit : i. e. scevit astu.
26. Curas, i. e. tu curas quis status deceat civitatem. It was
enough for Maecenas to look to the management of the affairs
of Rome, at that time containing about three millions of inhabi-
ODES. BOOK IV. 313
tants, including the suburbs, and being forty-eight miles in cir-
cumference, without being solicitous about nations at a dis-
tance.
28. Parent: 'are doing'; 'have in contemplation.'
43. Cras . . . occupato : ' to-morrow let Jupiter envelope the
heavens in a dark cloud.'
46. Neque diffinget : ' nor will he alter.'
53. Laudo . . . pennas : ' I praise fortune when she is stable ;
but if she flies soon.'
57. Non est meum : ' it is not my way.'
64. Geminusque Pollux : ' and the twin brothers Castor and
Pollux.'
ODE XXIV.
Other distinguished poets and orators, before Horace, had
spoken of the fame of their own writings ; and, although at the
present day it would hardly comport with our ideas of delicacy
or propriety to do so, yet it was very different with the Romans.
An action, which is not in itself criminal, depends for its pro-
priety, or impropriety, on the common usage and sentiments of
the place and the age. Among the Romans it was usual for
men of genius to express their opinion on their own claims to
distinction ; and candidates for office did not hesitate to come
forward and solicit the suffraores of their fellow citizens.
1. Exegi : " i. e. erexi ; in altum eduxi." Mitsch.
2. Situ : c structure.'
3. Impotens : ' violent,' ' which cannot be controlled.'
8. Recens : ' flourishing.'
9. Virgine : ' vestal virgin,' whose duty it was to attend the
ehief priest in religious silence, when he went in solemn pro-
cession to the Capitol to offer sacrifice.
12. Regnavit populorum : by a Greek idiom ; see Lat. Gram.
R. XVI. Obs. 1.
13. Princeps : ' the first,' who introduced the iEolian mea-
sures of Sappho and Alcaeus.
BOOK IV.
ODE I.
Augustus had been in Gaul, where he had put a stop to the
progress of the Sicambri, and conflrmed the conquests of Tibe-
27
314 NOTES.
rius and Drusus over the Rhseti and Vindehei. His return was
expected with much impatience at Rome, where a magnificent
triumph was preparing for him. On this occasion Antonius Ju-
lius, then prsetor of the city, requested Horace to write a Pinda-
ric ode in honour of Augustus. Our poet confesses himself un-
equal to the task, and tells Antonius that he can much better
perform it himself ; while at the same time, as his commentators
say, he surpassed even Pindar.
3. Daturus nomina : it will be recollected that Icarus, the
son of Dsedalus, is said to have given a name to the Icarian
Sea by being drowned in it. He flew too high, and the sun
melted the wax with which his wings were constructed, and he
fell into that part of the Archipelago which bears his name.
7. Profundo . . . ore : i. e. with deep and majestic eloquence.
10. Nova . . . verba: although writers of dithyrambic poetry
were not restrained by the ordinary laws of number and mea-
sure, and gave way to a daring irregularity not allowed to any
other form of writing ; yet they had no right to coin 'new
words.' But they made new combinations ; and nova verba
probably means compound words, not so used before.
13. Regesve . . . sanguinem : ' or celebrates those princely he-
roes ; ' i. e. Theseus, Pirithoiis, Bellerophon, and others. See
Class. Dict.
17. Eha . . . palma : i. e. the crown won at the Olympic
games at Elis.
19. Centum . . . munere : i. e. " carmine centum statuis prae-
ferendo." Doer.
22. Vires animumque moresque : ' bodily strength, courage,
and moral virtues.'
25. Multa . . . tractus : ' whenever Pindar rises to the lofty
regions of the clouds, a strong and even breeze supports that
Dircsean swan.' Dirce is a fountain in Bceotia, near Thebes,
vvhere Pindar was born.
33. Concines ; i. e. tu poeia, O Antoni, canes.
35. Per sacrum clivum : this alludes to the manner in which
a victorious general in a triumph led the captive princes in the
procession to the Capitol, which was situated on a hili.
49. Tuque : The tu must not be referred to sol, nor to
triumphe, as some have supposed, but to Antonius, as the whole
drift of the sentence implies. For as he married the emperor's
niece, he would of course be near his chariot in the procession.
52. Dicemus: sc. nos, ego et omnis civitas. We will often
shout, Io triumphe. This was the usual exelamation on such
occasions.
53. Te: this also, of course, refers to Antonius, who, being of
high rank, must offer a sacrifice of corresponding magnificence,
while a trifling one would suffice the humble bard.
57. Curvatos . . . ignes : i. e. resembling the bright crescent
of the moon when three days old.
ODES. BOOK IV. 315
59. Qua . . . fulvus : sc. fronte ; ' where he has a white
spot to be seen ; but tawny as to the rest of his body.'
ODE II.
Horace addresses this ode to the Muse Melpomene, as the
patroness of lyric poetry. He thanks the Muses for their fa-
vours to hira even frora the hour of his birth ; and seems to im-
piy that he received in the first moments of life whatever dis-
tinguished him afterwards. The ode is written with so much
beauty and feeling, that Scaliger says he would rather be the
author of it, than be the king of Arragon.
2. Placido lumine : ' with benignant eye.'
3. Labor Isthmius : ' the Isthmian games.'
10. Sed . . . nobilem : the construction is, Sed aquce quce prce-
fiuunt fertile Tibur, et spessaz comoz nemorum fingent nobilem
JEolio carmine.
14. Soboles : ' the youth of Rome, the queen of cities, see fit to
place me with the choirs of lyric poets.'
18. O Pieri : ' O Muse Melpomene.' Pieri is the vocative
from Pieris, -idis.
ODE III.
Augustus had desired Horace to write two odes ; one upon
the Secular games ; and the other upon the conquests of Dru-
sus and Tiberius in Pannonia. The poet commences this ode
with the praises of Drusus, as it was his first campaign, and as
he was more beloved by Augustus than Tiberius. In the XHIth
ode of this book he continues the subject principally in praise
of Tiberius.
1. Qualem . . . Vindelici : the order of construction is, Qua-
lem olimjuventas et patrius vigor propulit nido, inscium laborum,
alitem ministrum futminis, (cui Jupiter, rex deorum, permisit reg-
num in vagas aves, expertus eum fidelem in rapiendo Ganymede
Jlavo,) vernique venti, nimbis jam remotis, docuere paventem inso-
litos nisus ; mox, fyc. . . . talem Vindelici vidtre Drusum geren-
tem bella sub Rhcctis Alpibus. — Alitem : ' the eagle.' — Ministrum
fulminis : ' the thunder-bearer.'
6. Laborum . . inscium : ' unused to flying.'
14. Ab ubere jam lacte depulsum : " i. e. ab ubere matris, adeo-
que jam lacte, quo adbuc nutritus fuerat, depulsum."
18. Quibus (sc. Vindelicis) . . . distuli : it is matter of doubt
to comraentators how these four verses came here. All admit
them to be unworthy of tlie poet, and brought in without ap-
parent reason. £ome suppose it may have been a common
question, when talking of the conquests of Drusus, from whence
the Vindellci derived the the custom of arminor themselves with
a.xes, like the Amazons. Others think they may have been
316 NOTES.
written in ridicule of some other poet, who had attempted to
celebrate the same conquests, and used some such language.
24. Consiliis . . . revictce : ' vanquished by the wisdom of this
youthful prince.'
28. In pueros . . . JVerones : Tiberius and Drusus were the
sons of Tiberius Nero by Livia. When Augustus married their
mother Livia, he adopted Tiberius and Drusus ; and brought
them up with the same tenderness and care that he would have
done, had they been his own children.
35. Utcunquce . . . culpcc : ' whenever good precepts are want-
ing, vices obscure the natural endowments.'
38. Metaurum Jiumen : Hasdrubal, the brother of Hanmbal,
was sent from Carthage with a powerful reinforcement to
meet Hannibal in Italy ; and had he eucceeded, the fate
of Rome would have been settled. Claudius Nero, then en-
camped in sight of Hannibal, secretly left his camp with a de-
tachment of soldiers, and defeated and slew Hasdrubal at the
river Metaurus. The Carthaginians did not even know of the
departure of Nero, till he caused the head of Hasdrubal to be
thrown into their camp. This dispelled the darkness that over-
hung Latium. Then Hannibal exclaimed, on beholding it, " I
know the fate of Ca-rthage."
41. Almd risit adored: 'smiled with a cheering victory.' —
Adorea, from ador, 'fine corn,' was a distribution of wheat
among the soldiers, as a reward afler victory.
42. Dirus . . . .Afer : Hannibal.
45. Posthoc: i. e. after Nero's victory. — Usque : 'continu-
ally.'
48. Fana . . . rectos : i. e. the temples had the images of the
gods replaced. The Carthaginians had thrown them down, and
polluted the temples.
51. Sectamur : ' we pursue.'
54. Sacra : Penates ; sacrorum ritus.
64. Echioniceve Thebce : Echion was the son-in-law of Cad-
mus, and assisted him in building Thebes.
65. Merses .• sc. gentem Romanam.
68. Conjugibus loquenda : " i. e. ccesonm maritorum conjugi-
bus cum luctu memoranda."
ODE IV.
The first ode in this book was composed in honour of Augus-
tus, and in the hope that he would return immediately. This
was written in consequence of his delay ; and is an expression
of the affection of the Romans for Augustus, and of their impa-
tience for his return. The other was animated with Pindaric
fire, and seemed to be an earnest of the triumph that awaited
Augustus ; while this is full of tenderness and desire for his
return.
ODES. BOOK IV. 317
15. Sic . . . Casarem : ' so Rome, full of strong and sincere
<3esires, demands her Cassar.' The poet proceeds to give the
reasons which the Romans had for respecting and loving Au-
gustus ; and enumerates some of the blessings of his reign.
23. Laudantur . . . puerperce : i. e. " matres pariunt liberos,
patri suo similes." Doer.
24. Culpam . . . comes : ' punishment closely pursues the crim-
inal.'
29. Condit : ' spends ' ; ' passes.'
31. Et alteris . . . deum : the Romans used two tables at their
entertainments ; the first for meats, the second for fruits and
wine. At the second table they sung hymns, and offered liba-
tions to their household gods and to such others as they pleased.
After the battle at Actium, the senate decreed that libations
shouid be made to Augustus, not only at private, but at public
feasts. And the year following they ordered that he should
have a place in the hymns that were sung to the gods.
ODE V.
This ode, like the XVIIIth of the first book, is a hymn of
praise and prayer to Apollo and Diana ; and seems to have
reference to the Carmen Sceculare, at the end of the odes. It
was to be sung by a choir of young men and virgins.
1. Proles Niohea : the seven sons and seven daughters of
Niobe that were slain by Apollo and Diana, on account of the
insolence of their mother.
2. Raptor : Tityus, or Tityos, ofFered violence to Latona.
3. Prope victor : Achilles is so called because he slew Hec-
tor, the chief defender of Troy.
4. Phthius : < Phthian,' born at Phthia in Thessaly. Achilles
fell at Troy because he was insolent to Apollo.
13. llle: sc. Achilles.
14. Malh feriatos : ' imprudently engaged in festivity.'
18. JYescios fari pueros : rh-xia. rsxv«, ' infants that could not
speak.'
19. Ureret : for ussisset. — Latentem : for latentcs.
22. Adnuisset . . . muros : ' had favoured the affairs of ^Eneas,
that the walls of another city might rise under betfer auspices.'
28. Levis Agyieu : ' O youthful Apollo.' — Levis : ' smooth,'
without a beard ; indicative of youth. — Agyieu : an epithet of
Apollo, from kymky ' a street ' ; because statues were erected to
him in the streets.
35. Lesbium . . . pedem : * attend well to the Sapphic mea-
sure.' Sappho belonged to Lesbos. The Carmen Sceculare, to
which he here probably refers, is written in Sapphic measure.
37. LatoncB puerum : Apollo.
38. Rite . . . JYoctilucam : ' and duly celebrating Diana, who
illuminates the night by her increasing splendour.' The Secu-
27*
318 NOTES.
lar Poem was sung in the early days of the moon, before it
came to the full.
41. Nupta jam dices : ' shortly, when married, you will say.'
The Romans imagined that the virgins who had the honor of
ainging the Secular Poem were soonest married.
ODE VI.
Tn this beautiful ode the poet does not merely deseribe the
pleasures and charms of Spring. His object seems to be to in-
culcate a moral lesson. He would show by the rapid succes-
sion of the seasons, and the decay of all things in the vegetable
kingdom, that man himself is rapidly passing away ; and that
whatever he has to do in this life must be done quickly.
3. Mutat terra vices : * the earth changes its appearance.' —
Ripas . . . prcetereunt ; ' flow within their banks.' The streams,
that had from the melting of snow and from the rains overflowed
their banks, have now subsided.
7. Et almum . . . diem: ' and the hour which hurries orTthe
grateful day.'
13. Damna . . . lunce : ' but the quickly gliding months repair
the losses made by the changing seasons.' The ancients count-
ed their months by the new rnoons ; hence lunce, for menses.
17. Hodiernce . . . summce : ' to tbe sum of life attained this
day.'
21. Sphndida . . . arbitria : ' and Minos shall have passed his
awful sentence.'
26. Hippolytum .■ see Hippolytus and Pirithoiis in the Class.
Dict.
ODE VII.
This ode is supposed to have been written either at the time
of the Saturnalia, when it was customary among the Romans
to send presents to their friends ; or in return for something
valuable which the poet had received from Censorinus ; for
which he sent him these verses. So poets have usually paid
their debts of gratitude.
1. Donarem . . . sodalibus : ' I should take pleasure in giving
to my friends, O Censorinus, bowJs and grateful vessels ot
brass.'
5. Divite me . . . Scopas : 'if I were rich in the works of art,
which either Parrhasius or Scopas produced.' Parrhasius was
a celebrated painter, and Scopas a distinguished statuary.
7. Hic saxo : ' Scopas in marble.'
8. Ponere : ' to represent.'
12. Et pretium . . . muneri : ' and can explain to you the
value of the gift ; ' that is, he can set forth the importance of
poetry in immortalizing the great and the good, wliich he goes
on to show.
ODES. BOOK IV. 319
13. Non incisa . . . ducibus : * it is not marble monuments
with magnificent inscriptions, that give life and everlasting
fame to great men afler death.'
18. Ejus . . . laudes : the construction is, Clariiis indicant
laudcs cjus qui rediit lucratus nomen ab JJfricd domitd, quam fyc.
Scipio gained the name of Africanus from his conquests in
Africa.
20. Calabra Pierides : the poet Ennius, of Rudiae in Cala-
bria, celebrated the victory of Scipio over Hannibal in Africa.
22. Quid . . . puer : ' where would have been the fame of
the son of Ilia and Mars ? ' Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romu-
lus, was called also Ilia.
25. Stygiis jiurtibus : ' from oblivion.' iEacus was indebted
to the poets for the honorable place assigned to him in the
Elysian fields.
31. Tyndarida : * Castor and Pollux, that bright constella-
tion.'
o3. Ornatus . . . iempora : ' crowned as to his temples.'
34. Liber : Bacchus.
ODE VIII.
This ode is an encomium upon Lollius, who is represented as
possessing the most exalted virtues. Lollius little deserved this
praise. But his hypocrisy, for a long time, completely conceal-
ed his real character, not only from Horace, but from others,
and even from Augustus. But he was afterwards rightly un-
derstood.
I. JVe forte . . . chordis : the construction is, O Lolli, ne credas
fortt, ut verba interitura, quce ego natus ad Aufidum sonantem
longe loquor, socianda chordis per artes non antk vulgatas. ' Do
not think, O Lollius,' &c.
5. JVon si . . . Camana : ' aithough Homer holds the first
rank among poets, Pindar and Simomdes are not therefore with-
out their merit ; the menacing lines of Alcseus, and the grave and
majestic muse of Stesichorus are still held in remembrance.'
II. Vivuntque . . . puellct : ' those impassioned strains still
live, which were tuned to the lyre of the ^Eolian maid,' Sappho.
13. Non sola . . . Lacoena : the construction is, Lacctna Hele-
ne non sola arsit comptos crines adulteri, et awum, ^-c.
18. Non semel Ilios : Troy was besieged by Hercules, and by
the Amazons, before it was by the Greeks.
30. Celata : i. e. not celebrated by poets and historians.
39. Non unius anni : the meaning is, that the services of
Lollius were not confined to the year of his consulship, but that
his influence was long felt with the wise and good who were
magistrates afler him.
42. Dona nocentium : ' the bribes of those who wished to
^orrupt him.'
520 NOTES.
43. Et per obstantes . . . arma : i. e. and through crowds of flat-
terers has triumphantly displayed his firmness and virtue. —
Jlrma : i. e. virtutem et integritatem.
ODE IX.
Ligurinus was a handsome young man, who was so weak as
to be vain of his beauty. He lost all the advantages which na-
ture had bestowed upon him by his ridiculous vanity ; which
Horace attempts to correct by reminding him that all his per-
sonal attractions will soon fall a prey to time and age.
2. Insperata . . . superbiaz : ' when the wings of your pride
shall come unexpeeted ' : i. e. when that beauty, which raised
your pride, shall unexpectedly take wings, or disappear.
6. Alterum : ' another ' ; i. e. changed from what you now
are.
ODE X.
Horace invites Phyllis to come and celebrate with him the
birth-day of his patron Msecenas. It is worthy of remark that
these celebrations were always attended with some religious
solemnities. The poet here tells her, that the altars are crown-
ed with vervain, and waited to be sprinkled with the blood of a
lamb.
5. Fulges : for fulgeas ; or, as Doering prefers, in the future
from the old verb fulgo, meaning simply, ' with which your
hair shall be crowned.'
8. Spargier : for spargi, by Paragoge.
9. Cuncta festinat manus : ' all hands are busy.'
12. Vertice : ' from the house-top.' The Romans made their
fires in the middle of their rooms, with an opening above to let
out the smoke.
16. Mensem . . . findit Aprilem : ' divides April, the month of
sea-born Venus.' The word Idus comes from the Tuscan
Iduare, to divide. The festival of Venus was celebrated in April.
20. Ordinat ; ' counts.'
ODE XI.
This ode is written in a playful, familiar manner to invite
Virgil to join a party of pleasure, at which, it would seem,
that each individual was expected to produce something to-
wards the entertainment. There is no doubt but this is ad-
dressed to Virgil the poet, though some have imagined it to be
another person.
2. Anima): 'winds.' — Lintea: 'thesails.'
6. Infelix avis : ' the swallow ' ; into which the wretched
Procne was changed. For Itys and Procne, see Class. Dict. —
ODES. BOOK IV. 321
Et Cecropice . . . libidines : ' and the eternal reproach of the
house of Cecrops ; because she (Procne) too cruelly revenged
the brutal violence of king Tereus.'
11. Deum: Pan.
14. Calibus : the wine made at Cales was in high estimation.
16. JVdrdo . . . merebere : ' you shall share our wine by bring-
ing perfume.' It was a common thing among the Romans for
three or four friends to meet together, and each one to furnish
something to their entertainment.
22. Non ego te . . . domo : ' I have no thought of entertaining
you with wine free of expense, as if I were the rich master
in a well-stored house.'
26. Nigrorum . . . ignium : 'of the black funeral pile.'
ODE XII.
Horace in his youth had been much in love with Lyce, a
beautiful, but proud girl, who did not reciprocate his passion.
He now takes occasion to insult her by triumphing over her
faded charms, and exulting at the ravages which time has
made upon her beauty. It would have been well for the reputa-
tion of the poet, if this ode had not been written.
9. Nec Coce, . .. purpurcB : 'neither the purple from Cos.'
This was an island in the ^Egean sea, from which choice silks
were brought.
10. Clari lapides : ' sparkling jewels.'
11. Notis . . . fastis: ' recorded in the public registers ' ; in
which were marked tbe events of each year, and among them
the births. So that the age of any one might be known by
referring to these registers.
16. Surpuerat : for surripuerat.
17. Felix post Cynaram : ' who yielded in charms to none but
Cynara.' This was another beautiful young woman with whom
Horace, in his addresses, was more successful. — Et artium . . .
facies : ' and a face possessing every pleasing charm.'
ODE XIII.
In the introduction to the third ode of this book it is men-
tioned, that Augustus had desired Horace to write in honor of
the conquests achieved by Drusus and Tiberius. In that ode
the praises of Drusus are chiefly celebrated ; in this, those of
Tiberius. But the beginning is employed in ascribing the
success of the two brothers to the wisdom and prudence of
Augustus ; instead of coming at once to the eulogium of the
immediate agents.
7. Quem . . . posses : ' whom the Vindelici, hitherto free from
the Roman laws, have lately felt, and learned what you can do
m war.'
222 NOTES.
13. Plus vice simplici : ' more than once.'
14. Major Neronum : Tiberius.
16. Auspiciis . . . secundis : sc. Augusti.
17. Spectandus : l distinguished ' ; or deserving admiration.
21. Pleiadum choro : 'the choir of the Pleiades ' ; they are
seven in number ; and hence frequently called the Seven Stars.
25. Tauriformis : ' branching,' like the horns of a bull ; a
forra under which the gods of rivers were frequently repre-
sented.
32. Sine clade : ' without loss to his own army.'
33. Te . . . prcebente : sc. O Auguste.
36. Vacuam : Antony and Cleopatra left Alexandria at the
approach of Augustus.
39. Peractis . . . arrogavit : ' has ascribed to your victorious
campaigns.'
41. Te : sc. miratur.
45. Te : sc. audit : " h. e. tibi dicto audiens est, iibi paret"
Doer.
ODE XIV.
A deep feeling _of gratitude, as well as a strong personal
attachment to Augustus, breaks out and shows itself on almost
every occasion, where our poet can with propriety indulge in his
favourite theme. He devotes this whole ode to the praises of
his glorious reign and princely virtues. The immediate occa-
sion of the ode was probably the closing of the gates of the
temple of Janus.
2. Jncrepuit lyra : this expression has been variously explain-
ed ; but Doering's interpretation seems to be the most natural
and the most classical. He joins lyra with loqui ; thus, Me
volentem lyrd loqui (canere) prozlia et victas urbes Phcebus in-
crepuit (graviter admonuit), ne darem parva velaper Tyrrhenum
<equor.
6. Et signa: the military standards, restoredby Phraates to
Augustus, were carried to the Capitol, i. e. the temple of Jupiter
Capitolinus. See Book I. Ode XXI. 3. note.
9. Janum Quirini : the temple of Janus was built by Romu-
lus ; hence Horace calls it Janum Quirini, or Romulus' Janus.
The gates of this temple were always open, except in time of
peace. They had been only twice shut before the reign of
Augustus, and three times during that period. This was the
third time. — Ordinem: thus ; et injecit frarna licenti(B evaganti
extra re.ctum ordinem.
21. Non : sc. populi.
22. Edicta . . . Julia : i. e. the laws which Augustus imposed
on vanquished nations. He belonged to the Julian family.
25. Profestis lucibus : i. e. common days, before the festi-
yals,
EPODES. 323
29. Virtute functus . . . duces : ' generals distinguished for
their valour.'
32. Progeniem Veneris: Augustus.
EPODES.
As there have been various conjectures respecting the mean-
ing and derivation of the title of this Book, it may be well for
the reader to peruse the following remarks of Doering upon the
subject. " De inscriptione hujus libri Epidon, sive ab Horatio,
sive a Grammatico aliquo, profecta, unde illa petita fuerit, et
quo sensu accipienda sit, non amplius ambigi potest. Scilicet
Iamborum inventor, Archilochus, ejusmodi quoque Iamborum
genus invenisse dicitur, quos Wuhv$ appellaret, quia in illis, ut
Diomedes ait, versuum partes (h. e. versus breviores) iegitimis
et integris versibus l-rJ&ovrtu, h. e. accinuntur, vel, ut Hephaestlon
docet, orciv fctyoika) ffTi^u TtgiTTov n \Tt<pi^rtr«t, Jam verd cum ipse
Horatius Archilochi se imitatorem profiteatur, hic liber Epo-
don ejus juvenilia inprimis et maledicentiora carmina contineat."
It is therefore a name adopted from Archilochus.
EPODE I.
This epode was written on the eve of the great engagement be-
tween Augustus on one side, and Antony with Cleopatra's forces
and fleet on the other. Meecenas had refused to have Horace
accompany him on this expedition, as he had been accustomed
to do on similar occasions. The poet feels evidently hurt by
the refusal. He expresses his anxiety and deep concern.
1. lbis . . . propugnacula : ' you will then venture, O my friend
Msecenas, with light Liburnian gallies, amidst the lofty bulwarks
of Antony's ships.' The fleet of Augustus was composed, in a
great measure, ofthese light gallies. See Bookl. Ode XXXI.
30. note.
5. Qtcid nos . . . gravis : l and what shall I do, to whom life
is delightful while you survive, but to whom it would be a bur-
den, were you taken away.'
7. Jussi : sc. a te.
9. Hunc laborem: i. e. the danger of this carapaign.
21. Ut adsit : ' although she were with them.' We find ut
used in this way for licet by other writers also.
25. Ut juvencis . . . meis : by Hypallage, for ut ptures juvenci
illigati meis aratris nitantur.
27. Calabris . . . Lucana mutei ■ by Hypallage, for Calabra
324 NOTES.
I/ucanis ; Lucania was cooler than Calabria, and suited to sum-
mer pasturage.
29. Nec ut . . . mcenia : i. e. nor that my Sabine villa, built
of white marble, may extend to the walls of Tusculum, far
above it. Tusculum was built by Telegonus, the son of Circe ;
hence Circaa mcenia. It was more than twenty miles from
Horace's country seat.
33. Avarus . . . premam .- ' I may bury in the earth, like ava-
ricious old Chremes.' This is a character in a play of Te-
rence.
34. Discinctus . . . nepos .• ' or prodigal may squander away like
a spendthrift.' The Romans tied up their gowns with a girdle
when they were at work, and wished to be free from incum-
brance ; hence the phrase accingere ad opus. But when un-
employed they suffered them to flow loosely ; hence discinctus
and dissolutvs signify an effeminate and negligent person. — .7Ve-
pos • this word, which originally signified a grandson, from the
too great indulgence generally shown by grandfathers, and the
ruin that ensued, became the common term for ' spendthrift.'
EPODE II.
This epode is a satire upon avarice. The poet introduces
Alfius, a covetous old usurer, (who was satisfied of the necessity
of renouncing his mode of life, and who had resolved on re-
tiring from the city,) as recounting the blessings and the charms
of a country life. After he has called in all his money, and by
way of soliloquy gone throughwith the inimitable description of
rural felicity contained in this poem, his ruling passion comes
over him too strongly to be resisted, and he again lets his
money out on interest.
4. Fcenore : ' money transactions.' Fcenus usually signifies
the interest of money, which, by the laws of the Twelve Tables,
must not exceed one per centum a month.
7. Forum: ' courts of law.'
12. Inserit : ' he ingrafts.'
13. Mugientium .- sc. boum.
20. Certantem . . . purpurce, : ' the grape vying with purple.'
22. Tutor jinium : ' the tutelary god of boundaries.'
24. In tenaci gramine : ' on a bed of grass.' By tenaci we
may understand ' strong-rooted ' ; ' not easily pulled up by the
roots.' It is here used rather as an expletive word.
28. Quod : ' which combination of sounds.'
31. tMultd cane : i. e. with a numerous pack of hounds ; as
multo milite.
33. Amite : i. e. a pole around which the nets were fastened.
35. Advenam : i. e. a visiter, migrating in the winter to the
warm climate of Italy.
41. Perusta solibus : ' sun-burnt'
EPODES. 325
49. Conchylia: 'shell-fish.'
50. Scai-i : the scarus was a delicate fish, but it is not cer-
tainly known what it was.
53. Jlfra avis : a turkey.
54. Attagen : supposed to he a partridge.
57. Herba lapathi : a species of sorrel.
59. Terminalibus : the festival of the god Terminus, or the
boundary stone, which was considered as sacred.
65. Positosque vernas : i. e. vernas positos circum renidentes
Lares. These slaves indicate the wealth of the owner.
67. Fanerator Jllfius '• here the old usurer's soliloquy con-
cludes.
70. Kalendis .- he cannot resist the temptation, and seeks an
opportunity of loaning his money on the first of the month.
EPODE III.
Horace, when supping with Mascenas, had eaten garlic,
which made him sick. He complains bitterly against garlic
in this ode ; and says, to be made to eat it is sufficient punish-
ment for the blackest crime, since no poison is more terrible.
3. Edat . . . nocentius: 'let him eat garlic, more noxious
than hemlock.'
4. Messorum : Garlick was said to be given to reapers as a
tonic, and also as a counter poison when they had eaten some
other noxious substance. It was commonly given, as Virgil
represents it, mixed with wild thyme.
5. Qiiid . . . pr&cordiis .• " i. e. quod genus veneni est hoc, quo
discrucior ? "
8. Canidia : this was a famous sorceress, to whom the fifth
epode is addressed.
11. Ignota . . .juga: i. e. when he was about to yoke the
brazen-footed bulls, which breathed fire, and guarded the gol-
den fleece.
13. Hoc . . . alite .- * having avenged herself on her rival by
presents infected with this, she fled on a winged dragon.' Ja-
son had fallen in love with Glauca, or Creusa, as she is some-
times called. By way of revenge Medea sent Glauca a golden
crown and a magnificent wedding garment, which she had poi-
soned. These presents had the desired erTect ; and Glauca was
destroyed by them. Medea is said to have fled from the ven-
geance of Jason through the air in a chariot drawn by fiery
dragons.
lf. Munus : this refers to the poisoned garment sent by De-
janira to Hercules, which had been dipped in the blood of the
Centaur Nessus. — Efficacis : ' indefatigable.'
28
226 NOTES.
EPODE IV.
In this epode the poet inveighs vehemently against some per-
son who, from the condition of a slave, had become a military
tribune, and was making an ofFensive display of his wealth and
dignity, to the annoyance of the more reputable part of the
community. It is commonly supposed to be addressed to Me-
nas, a freedman of Cneus Pompey, and in most manuscripts it is
inscribed to him.
1. Lupis . . . compede : the construction is, Quanta discordia
sortitb obtigit Ivpis et agnis, tanta est mihi tecum, O Mena, pe-
ruste quod ad latusfunibus Ibericis et quod ad crura durd com-
pede. — Sortitb : ' naturally.'
3. Peruste : ' marred or hardened.' Menas had been a pirate
before he served Pompey, and had been scpurged, and in
chains.
7. Metiente te t ' as you proudly strut along.'
9. Vertat huc et huc : ' turns away in disgust.'
12. PrcEconis ad fastigium : ' till the beadle was weary.'
16. Othone contempto : in spite of Otho's law, which assigned
seats in the theatre^to the equestrian order separate from the
people ; and also made a distinction between those who were
knights by birth, and those who were promoted to that rank.
This fellow, who had been a slave, takes his place in the first
seats, which were appropriated exclusively to those born
knights.
17. Quid attinet . . . pondere .- i. e. to what purpose is it that
so many brazen-beaked ships were sent ?
20. Hoc . . . militum : ' if such a wretch be made military
tribune.'
EPODE V.
Horace here describes the diabolical rites and ceremonies of
an assemblage of sorceresses, of which Canidia is the principal
character. They have taken a boy of noble birth, whom they
are about to put to death by torture, in order to prepare from
his marrow and dried liver a philtre, or love potion, capable of
recailing an inconstant lover to her arms.
1. At : the scene opens in a pathetic manner by the exclama-
tion of the terrified boy, who perceives with horror the glaring
eyes of the hags all turned upon him, with a fiend-like expres-
sion, which cannot be misunderstood.
5. Te : i. e. Canidia. — Si vocata . . . adfuit : i. e. if you were
ever a mother.
7. Purpurce : youth of family wore the toga prcetexta, a gown
bordered with purple, till they were seventeen years old. The
boy conjures Canidia by this token of his rank, which ought to
protect him.
EPODES. 327
12. Insignibus raptis : his robe ancl bulla, which was a gold
or silver heart worn round the neck, were torn off by the hags
while the boy was making his intreaty ; so that at the conclu-
sion of it he stands naked.
17. Jubet . . . erutas : here Canidia calls for the drugs and
materials which witches were supposed to use in composing
their philtres. Among them is the wild fig-tree, because it
bears neither fruit nor flower, and is esteemed ill-omened ; and
to make it more dreadful it must be torn up by the roots from
a burying-place.
19. Et uncta . . . strigis .- the construction is, Et ova nocturna
strigis uncta sanguine turpis ranre, plumamque nocturnse strigis.
24. Flammis aduri Colchicis : i. e. to be burned or concocted
with magical fires, such as Medea used at Colchis.
25. Sagana : Sagana, Veia, and Folia were sorceresses at-
tendant on Canidia. — Expedita : ' with her gown tucked up.'
that she might be unincumbered.
26. Avernales : ' from lake Avernus.'
32. Qi/6 . . . spectaculo •• ' where the boy, having his body
buried, might die with hunger in the sight of food changed two
or three times a day.'
35. Quantiim extant aqud : i. e. as much as the heads of per-
sons when swimming are out of the water.
38. Amoris . . . poculum : ' a love potion.'
39. Interminato .• ' forbidden,' or which could not be reached.
40. Intabuissent : 'were wasted away.'
41. Masculcz : ' imrnoderale.'
43. JYeapolis : Naples, from riches and advantages of climate,
was regarded as a place of pleasure and amusement, otiosa.
45. Excantata : ' charmed.'
54. JVumen : ' avenging power.'
58. Suburance canes : ' may the dogs of Subura.' This was
one of the most public streets of Rome.
59. Quale . . . manus .- ' the choicest my hands ever made.'
Canidia represents her gallant, Varus, as perfumed with the
essences she herself had made.
61. Cur . . . valent : ' why are my charms less potent than
those of Medea ? ' There seem to have been some signs of
the failure of her charms, and she asks, ' What is the matter ? '
Quid accidit ?
62. Medece, .• sc. venenis.
63. XJlta pellicem .• sc. Glaucen : see Epode III. 13. note.
68. Ftfellit me : ' has escaped my notice.'
69. Indormit . . . pellicum : ' he sleeps on the beds of all my
rivals, perfumed with drugs that inspire obhvion.'
71. Solutus : sc. Varus. Varus, the object of her enchant-
ments, is quite free from their effects, by the influence of some
niore powerful enchantress.
73. Non usitatis . . . caput : having been hitherto ur.suc-
328 NOTES.
cessful, she now exclaims, in full confidence of the efficacy of
the terrible and unusual philtre she is preparing from the mar-
row and dried liver of the boy, You shall return to me, with sor-
row, O wretched Varus, by the charm I now prepare.
76. Marsis . . . vocibus . ' by the incantations of the Marsians.'
They were so called from Marsus, the founder of their nation ;
and were considered the most powerful sorcerers in Italy.
83. Sub hcec : ' after these words.' After Canidia had thus
spoken, the boy no longer sought to soften these impious wretch-
es by intreaties, which he perceived to be in vain.
86. Misit . . . pr&ces .- 'he uttered imprecations ' ; such as
Thyestes made against his brother Atreus. See Class. Dict.
87. Venena . . . vicem : ' enchantments may confound the
great distinctions between right and wrong ; but they cannot
change the destiny of mankind,' i. e. they cannot avert the pun-
ishment that awaits the guilty ; you will have your reward.
89. Diris : ' by my curses.'
97. Vicatim : ' from street to street.'
99. Different : ' will scatter.'
100. Esquilinai alites : birds of prey frequented the Esquiline
hill, because here malefactors were executed, and their bodies
were left exposed ; the poor also were buried there.
101. Parentes : the poor boy thinks it some consolation, that
his parents will see these guilty hags punished for their unnatu-
ral crimes.
EPODE VI.
This epode is addressed to some ill-natured and backbiting
poet, whom Horace compares to a worthless dog, that snarls at
travellers and strangers ; but drops his cowardly ears and runs,
if a wolf appears, or if there is need of his aid. It is frequently
published with this inscription, In Cassium Severum. But it is
probable that neither this, nor the IVth Epode against Menas,
was inscribed by Horace himself with the real name.
1 . Hospites : ' strangers.'
6. Amica vis .- ' a friendly guard.'
10. Projectum : intimating that he was easily bribed to keep
silence.
13. Qualis . . . gener : i. e. such as was Archilochus, when
rejected as a son-in-law by the faithless Lycambes. He wrote
a satyrical poem so severe against him, that both father and
daughter destroyed themselves in vexation and despair.
14. Acer hostis : sc. Hipponax. See Class, Dict.
EPODE VII.
This epode was addressed to the Roman people at the time
vvhen the civil war was about to break out between Augustus
and Antony. After the defeat of Lepldus, and tlie death of
EPODES. 329
Sextus Pompey, there liad been a time of peace and repose to
the commonwealth which was now about to be interrupted.
2. Conditi •■ sc. in vaginis .• ' sheathed,' since the death of
Sex. Pompey.
3. Campis atqae JYeptuno : ' by land and sea.'
12. Nunquam . . .feris: ' which are never cruel, unless to-
wards beasts of a different kind.'
18. Scelusque . . . necis : i. e. and the crime of Romulus in
shedding his brother's blood.
19. Ut: 'since.'
20. Sacer nepotibus : ' fatal to posterity.'
EPODE VIII.
Previous to the general engagement at Actium, there had
been several partial engagements between the forces of Augus-
tus and Antony, in which fortune favoured the former. Horace,
therefore, on hearing of that great battle, which he expected
would prove decisive, addressed this epode to his patron Msece-
nas, then at the scene of action, in anticipation of the glorious
result he predicted to his friend.
I. Ad feslas dapes : i. e. at a joyful festival on the occasion
of Csesar's victory.
6. Hdc : ' the lyre.' — lllis : ' the flutes.' — Barbarum .- h. e.
Phrygium carmen.
7. Neptunius dux : Sextus Pompey, either on account of
some naval success of his own, or because his fatber had had
the command of the sea, called himself the son of Neptune.
9. Quce : sc. vincula. Pompey received all the slaves that
would enter his service ; and the desertion was so great throuo-h
all Italy, that prayers and sacriflces were made in the temples to
arrest its progress.
II. Romanus .... miles : i. e. Antony.
12. Fcemincc : i. e. Cleopatra.
13. Spadonibus . . . rugosis : ' wrinkled eunuchs.'
16. Conopium : an Egyptian pavilion, or canopy, to keep off
the flies and other insects. The Romans considered these as
marks of effeminacy, and therefore dishonourable.
17. Ad hoc . . . Ccesarem : ' at this unworthy spectacle two
thousand Gauls, crying out with indignation, turned their horses
and went over to Csesar.' These were probably the Gallo-
Grecians, under Dejotarus and Amyntas, who deserted Antony
and joined Augustus just before this battle. The second syl-
lable in verterunt is shortened by Systole.
20. Sinistorsum : when looking out to sea from the harbour
of Actium, Italy is on the right, and Alexandria, to which Cleo-
patra fled, is on the left.
22. Intactas boves .- sc. jugo.
23. Nec Jugurthino . . . ducem : ' you did not bring hcme
28*
330 NOTES.
from the Jugurthine war, a general equal to him.' i. e. Marius
from the conquest of Jugurtha did not return so great and glo-
rious as Augustus.
25. JVeque Africano •■ sc. a bello. — Cui: sc. Scipioni.
26. Sepulcrum : ' monument.'
27. Punico . . . sagum : by Hypaliage, for mutavit Punicum
sagum sago lugubri ; ' changed his purple Phcenician dress for
mourning.'
29. llle •. Antony.
30. JVon suis : ' unpropitious.'
33. Capaciores affer : the poet, filled with exultation, imagines
himself already at the banquet with Mascenas. He does not
yet know that further dangers are to be encountered by his
friends in the pursuit which followed, and finally terminated, this
dangerous struggle.
EPODE IX.
This epode seems to be an ebullition of ill nature and of im-
precations against Maevius, quite unworthy of our poet. This
Masvius was detested by both Virgil and Horace, as a vile and
despicable poetastcii, He was about to sail for Greece ; and
as Horace had wished Virgil a prosperous voyage to Greece
in Book I. Ode III. ; so he now prays for disasters upon his
enemy Maevius.
3. Latus : sc. navis.
7. Quantus : ' in as great a fury as when.'
14. Jijacis ratem •• the victorious army of the Greeks were
shipwrecked on their rcuirn from Troy. The indignation of
Pallas pursued Ajax, son of OQeus, in particular, on account of
some violence offered by him to Cassandra in the temple of
that goddess.
19. Udo . . . remugiens . . . JVoto: 'roaring with the blasts of
the rainy soutli wind.'
EPODE X.
Horace exhorts his friends to seize every occasion of enjoying
life while it is in their power to do so, and especially to pass
with him a rainy day in conviviality. He enforces his argu-
ment by representing the Centaur Chiron, as giving the same
advice to his pupil Achilles, after he had informed him that it
was dccreed by fate that he should perisli at Troy.
1. Contraxit : ' has enveloped.'
2. Jovem : ' the air,' which is said to be brought down in
rain.
5. Obductd . . . senectus : ' let the contracted brow of age be
relaxed.'
7. Deus . . . vice : ' by some kind change perhaps God will
EPODES. 331
restore things to their former state.' It seems there was some
particular cause for the anxiety of the poefs friends, although
it is uncertain what it was.
9. Cyllened : invented by Mercury, who was born on mount
Cyllene, in Arcadia.
11. Centaurus : Chiron. — Alumno •• Achilles.
13. Assaraci : Troy was formerly under Assaracus.
15. Certo sublemine : 'byan unalterable decree ' ; or, by a
thread that fixes your destiny.
18. Deformis . . . alloquiis : l the sweet soothers of odious
melancholy.'
EPODE XI.
The civil war between Csesar and Pompey had been suc-
ceeded by that between Octavius and Brutus ; and when
these commotions had come to an end, others arose between
Octavius, then called Augustus, and Antony. The Roman
empire was divided between these chiefs, and the Adriatic
was covered with their fleets. A battle was expected, which
was to decide the fate of tlie empire. On the eve of this
dreadful scene, Horace composed this epode, in wJiich he de-
plores the condition of the Roman people, and intimates that
they may as well abandon their country for ever, as live amidst
such scenes of horrour and uncertainty. In short, the civil
wars, which began between Marius and Sylla in the year 666
of Rome, were never perfectly extinguished till the death of
Antony in 724.
4. Porsencc : when Tarquin the Proud was expelled from
Rome he fied to Porsena, king of the Tuscans, who endeavour-
ed witli a powerful army to reinstate him. But tlie daring con-
duct of Mntius Scsevola, and his disclosure of the plot formed
against Porsena's life, induced him to desist.
5. Capuce : Hannibal had determined to make Capua the
capital of Italy when he should complete his conquest of the Ro-
mans.
6. JVovisque . . . infdelis : ' faithless in their frequent revolu-
tions.' The Allobroges werc a people of Gaul famous for their
frequent seditions.
7. Cczruled . . . puhe : Tacitus describes the Germans as hav
ing blue eyes ; hence the epithet cccruled.
8. Parentibus: sc. nostris.
9. Impia . . . cetas •. the construction is, Nos impia aitas devoti
sanguinis perdemus civitatem, quam neque Jinitimi, &c. — De-
voti sanguinis ; ' whose blood is devoted to destruction,' on ac-
count of our crimes.
13. Quceque . . . insolcns : the construction is, Insolensque
dissipabit ossa Quhini, nefas videre ! qucje. carent ventis et soli-
hus. — Quce carent ventis et solibus : l which are religiously pre-
332 - NOTES.
served from air and light ' ; i. e. which are yet preserved in
their consecrated urn.
15. Forte . . . laboribus : ' perhaps all, or the better part of
you inquire what is to be done, in order to escape these evils.'
17. Phoceeorum . . . exsecrata civitas : the Phocseans, a people
of Ionia, rather than fall into the hands of the Persians, by
whom they had been long harrassed, agreed to abandon their
city. They then bound themselves by an oath never to return,
til] a mass of glowing iron, which they threw into the sea,
should rise to the surface. Afler various hardships they ar-
rived in France, where they settled and built Massilia.
25. Simul . . . nefas : ' that we may return whenever the
rocks shali rise from the bottom of the sea, and swim on the
surface.'
27. Quando Padus . . . cacumina : l when the Po shall wash
the summits of Mount Matinus.'
31. Ut : 'sothat'
36. Exsecrata : ' having" sworn to go.'
37. Moltis . . . cubilia : ' let the faint-hearted and desponding
cling- to this ill-omened abode.'
42. Divites et insulas : * and the Fortunate Islands.' He
probably refers to the Canaries, where it had already been pro-
posed by Sertorius to settle.
46. Suam . . . arborem : i. e. the natural, not ingrafted tree.
52. JYec . . . humus : * nor does the teeming earth swell with
vipers.'
54. JEstuosa . . . impotentia .- ' the scorching heat.'
58. Utrumque : i. e. both rain and heat.
59. Argoo . . . remige .• i. e. with invaders like the Argonauts.
60. Impudica Colchis .- Medea.
61. Comua : sc. antmnarum: ' their sail-yards.'
65. Quorum: sc. sozculorum.
66. Me vate : ' according to my prophecy.' Vates means
both poet and prophet, because prophecies were given in verse.
EPODE XII.
This epode professes to be a recantation of all the poet had
said against Canidia in the fifth epode. He pretends that he is
unable longer to bear the erTects of her vindictive spirit ; he ac-
knowledges himself vanquished, and sues for mercy. But the
whole is evidently ironical, and in fact a most keen and bitter
satire.
1 . Jam . . . scientia : ' now at length I yield to the power of
your art.'
4. Libros carminum : ' books of enchantments.'
7. Citumque . . . turbinem : ' stop, and turn back your rapidly
whirling top.' Sorcerers had a kind of magical top, or rhom-
hus, which turned round with a thread or yarn attachcd to it.
EPODES. 333
As this turned, it twisted the thread, and was supposed to in-
crease the power of enchantment over the person subjected to
its influence. Horace here intreats her to untwist the thread,
and loose him from the power of her enchantment, by turning
the machine backwards, retro.
8. JYepotem . . . Nereium : Achilles. See Telephus in the
Class. Dict.
11. Unxere . . . Hectorem : i. e. the Trojan matrons obtained
permission to anoint the body of Hector, which had been
doomed to be the prey of dogs and vultures.
13. Procidit: 'prostrated himself.' Priam went out from
Troy to the tent of Achilles, and intreated him to restore the
body of his son Hector ; which he did.
15. Setosa . . . membra : the companions of Ulysses, who had
been changed by Circe into swine, were permitted by her to
resume their former shape, at the request of Ulysses.
18. Relapsus : sc. est ; ' was restored.'
23. Tuis . . . odoribus ; ' my hair is turning white by your
enchantments.' — Odoribus : 'magic herbs.'
25. Neque est : ' nor is it allowed.'
26. Tenta: 'strained.'
27. Negatum : ' what I before denied.'
28. Sabella . . . Nznid ; ' that the incantations of the Samnites
disturb the breast, and that the head is cleft by the charms of
the Marsi.'
35. Cales . . . Colchicis : ' you are heated against me, a living
laboratory of Colchic poisons.'
36. Stipendium : ' expiatory punishment.'
39. Mendaci lyrd ; " qua nempe mulier impudica et improba,
ut pudica et proba, laudatur." Doer.
41. Perambulabis astra: i. e. you shall be represented in my
verses as walking amidst the stars.
42. Vice : ' at the treatment ' of their sister.
44. Vati : i. e. to the poet Stesichorus, who had been punished
by blindness for satirizing Helen, and whose sight was restored
on his recantation of what he had written.
47. Prudens ; ' skilled.'
48. Novendiales . . .pulveres : ' in scattering their warm ashes,'
i. e. ashes on the ninth day after death. Bodies were kept
seven days, burned on the eighth, and their ashes buried on
the ninth.
53. Inultus . . . Cupidinis ; ' shall you unpunished expose and
ridicule the mysteries of Cotytto, the rites of unbridled love ? '
Cotytto was the goddess of impurity and sensual indulgence.
55. Et . . . venefici : i. e. and as if you were the high priest of
our enchantments on the Esquiline hill.
57. Qmc? proderat . . . anus ; ' what advantage should I gain
by having enriched the sorceresses of Pelignum ? ' i. e. by pay-
ing exorbitantly for their instructions in magic.
334 NOTES.
59. Sed . . . manent : ' but a fate more lingering than your
wishes awaits you.' i. e. You will pray in vain for death to de-
liver you from tortures and sufferings. This passage seems not
to have been well understood by some commentators.
70. Fastidiosa : l nauseating.'
72. Insolentice : l resistless power.'
THE SECULAR POExM.
This poem, designed to be sung at the celebration of the
Secular Games, by a choir of fifty-four boys and girls, an equal
number of each, is considered one of tbe most fmisbed per-
formances of antiquity. These games were celebrated once in
an age, or about a hundred years. They were instituted in con-
sequence of certaimprophecies contained in the Sibylline Books,
This celebration was originally distinguished by three solemn
festivals, which were afterwards united in one festival, which
continued three days and three nights successively. The first
celebratlon of the Secular Games was in the year of Rome 245 ;
the second was in 305 ; the thira was in 505 ; the fourth was in
605 ; and the fiflh, for which Horace wrote this poem, was in
737. It was therefore a hundred and thirty-two years since the
last celebration. The present solemnities were announced with
great pomp and preparation. The heralds were sent out into
the provinces to invite all the world to a festival, such as they
never had seen, and never again would see. The Quinde-
cemvlri, some days before, distributed among the people certain
lustral, or purifying substances, such as bitumen, sulphur, and
certain kinds of grain. Sacrifices were made to the gods ; and
their benedictions were implored upon the interests of Rome,
which was the great object of this festival.
4. Tempore prisco .- i. e. on this occasion of ancient origin.
Many manuscripts have sacro.
5. Quo Sihyllini : the Books of the Sibyls were written in
hexameter verse, and contained, among othcr religious matters,
the forms of the ceremonies at the Secular Games.
14. llithyia: i.e. Diana, who had the care of womenin child-
birth, and was invoked under three titles, Mithyia, Lucina, and
Genitdlis.
17. Diva: Diana. — Patrum: ' of the Senate.'
20. Lcge maritd : the Julian law, passed a short time before
this was written, was designed for the encouragement of matri-
SATIRES. BOOK I. 335
mony, offering rewards to those who married, and subjecting
those who did not to some privations.
21. Certus . . . orbis : 'thatthe regular circle of a hundred
years.'
23. Ter die claro : the festival continued three days and three
nights.
25. Vosque . . . servet : ' and do you, O Fates, who are true
in declaring what has been once decreed, and what the settled
result of things will keep unchanged.'
37. llice . . turmcB ; these were the Trojan troops who had
settled in Italy under iEneas.
41. Sine fraude : ' uninjured.'
43. Baturus . . . relictis .- i. e. about to leave an empire more
rkmrishing than Troy, which he left to come to Italy.
49. Quceque . . . albis ; sc. gens : ' and may the nation which
venerates you by the sacrifice of white oxen.' Many manu-
scripts have quique and imperet, instead of quceque and im-
petret.
51. Impetret .- ' accomplish its object.' — Bellante prior : ' su-
perior to its opponent.'
54. Albanas secures : the axes of the lictors, put for the power
of the Romans.
63. Salutari levat arte : Apollo was considered as the god of
medicine and of the healing art.
67. Alierum . . . atvum : ' and may continually advance the
Roman commonwealth and Latium to another happy lustrum,
and always to a better age.'
69. Quceque . . . aures : the construction is, Dianaque, quce. te-
net Aventinum Mgidumque, curet preces Quindecimvirorum, et
applicet amicas aures votis puerorum.
73. Hcec . . . laudes : the construction is, Ego chorus, doctus
dicere laudes et Phazbi et Diance, reporto domum bonam certamque
spem, Jovem deosque cunctos sentire hcBc. Both the choirs join
211 sdxm? this.
336 NOTES. •
SATIRES.
BOOK I.
SATIRE I.
The object of this satire is to expose the folly of discontent
and avarice, by which men allow theraselves to be deprived of
the enjoyments which their condition and fortune oflfer them.
I. Quam sibi . . . objecerit : ' which reason has chosen, or
chance thrown in his way.'
6. Mercator : sc. ait.
7. Concurritur : ' the battle begins.'
9. Juris legumque peritus : ' the lawyer.'
30. Consultor : ' the client'
II. i//e, (i. e. consultor, cliens) . . . est .- ' he, who, having be-
fore given bail, is forced from his farm into the city.' i. e. to
defend his cause, or consult his patron.
14. Fabium .• it is said that Fabius had written several books
in favour of the Stoic philosophy, which probably did not agree
with the poefs Epicurean notions.
18. Mutatis. . . partibus : 'your conditions, or professions,
being changed.'
19. Licet : sc. illis.
21. Buccas injl.et : ' may swell with indignation.' Why may
not Jove justly be indignant at their fickleness.
26. Doctores : ' teachers,' who sometimes gave little boys
sweet cakes to induce them to learn their letters.
29. Perjidus hic caupo : ' the knavish inn-keeper ' ; one who
adulterated his commodities, wine, &c.
40. Dum : ' provided that.'
43. Quod, si . . . assem .- suppose the miser here to say.
' Which, if you once break in upon it, may be reduced to a
wretched penny.'
44. At, ni idjlt : the poet rejoins, ' But unless that be done.'
45. Millia : sc. modiorum.
46. Hoc : ' on this account.' — Si . . . humero : ' if by chance
you have to bear on your burdened shoulder the sack of Jjread
amoncr the slaves.'
49. Quid . . . viventi : ' what difference does it make to one
living within the limits prescribed by nature.'
53. Cumeris : ' baskets.'
58. Aiifidus : a river of Apulia.
G2. Quia . . sis : ' because you may be of as much impor-
tance, as you possess of weaith.' — Tanti sis : " tanti crstimeris,
quantas opes habeas"
SATIRES. BOOK I. 337
63. Quid facias illi : ' what can you do for such a man ' ; i. e
one who thinks so perversely. — Libenter . . . facit .- ' so long as
he voluntarily conducts himself thus.'
86. Posl omnia ponas : by Tmesis, for postponas omnia.
87. Si nemo . . . amorem : ' if no one shows a regard for you,
which you no way deserve.'
88. An si . . . amicos : the construction is, An, si velis reti~
nere servareque amicos nullo labore, cognatos quos natura dat
tibi.
94. Parto quod avebas .• sc. eo ; ' that being obtained which
you desired.'
95. Dives . . .nummos: sc. ita ; ' so rich that he measured
his money.'
99. Liberta : " qitam uxoris loco habuisse videtur Ummidius"
100. Tijndaridarum : this word includes the children of Tyn-
darus of both sexes, and, although of the masculine gender,
may express the daughters, Helen and Clytemnestra, who kill
ed their husbands, Deiphobus and Agamemnon, the latter with
a hatchet. *
101. Ntevius : i. e. ut avarus et sordidus.
102. Nomentanus : i. e. ut nebulo, vel homo luxuriosus.
105. Est inter . . . quiddam : ' there is some difference be-
tween &c.'
103. Nemon1 . . . se probet : i. e. ' does no one then, even the
miser, congratulate himself ? '
114. Ungula .- i. e. ungulati equi.
115. Suos vincentibus : ' that outstrip his own ' horses.
_ 120. Neme . . . putes : ' lest you may think I have been rob-
bing the portfolio of blear-eyed Crispinus.' He was a vain, lo-
quacious philosopher and poet.
SATIRE II.
The object of this satire is to expose the meanness and folly
of avarice.
1. Ambubajarum collegia : ' the companies of musicians.' The
word ambubaia signifies ' female flute-players.' — Pharmacopolce .-
' perfumers.'
2. Mendici: ' cheating beggars.' By this word is meant the
priests of Cybele and Isis, jugglers, fortunetellers, and such
worthless characters as get their living by imposing "upon peo-
ple. — Balatrones : ' rope-dancers.'
_ 3. Tigelli : this Tigellius was one of the most famous musi-
cians of his time. He is called ' the singer ' rather by way of
contempt.
4. Contra hic : this means some other person.
8. Stringat : ' wastes,' ' consumes.'
9. Conductis : ' hired ' at exorbitant interest.
12. Fufdius : this was a notorious usurer.
29
333 NOTES.
14. Quinas . . . exseccd : ' he deducts five times the interest
from the sum.' The lawful interest being at the rate of twelve
per cent. per annum, Fufidius was not satisfied with five times
this ; but deducted or discounted beforehand, at the rate of
sixty per cent.
15. Quantb perditior : ' the more distressed.'
16. JYomina sectatur : ' he carefully finds out the names' of
young heirs under age ; i. e. that he may loan them money at
exorbitant interest.
18. M in se . . . facit : ' but [you will say] he expends upon
himself in proportion to his income.'
20. Utpater: Terence, in his play called "The Self-tor-
mentor," represents a father as making himself miserable, be-
cause his son had forsaken him and gone into the army, and
blaming his own severity as the cause.
25. Pastillos : ' perfumes.'
SATIRE III.
The poet would show, in this satire, that the faults of friends
must not be too severely censured. He also ridicules the dog-
mas of the Stoics, who allowed no distinction between crimes,
but said that all should be punished with equal severity.
3. Sardus : ' of Sardinia.'
6. Ab ovo . . . mala : i. e. from beginning to end. Eggs were
served first, and fruit last at dinner.
7. Io Bacche .• this was the beginning or the chorus of a song,
repeated by Tigellius, probably of his own composition. — Sum-
md voce ; ' the base.'
8. Ima : ' the treble.' This refers to the situation and the
names of the strings in the instrument called the tetrachord.
11. Junonis sacra : the solemn processions in honour of Juno
were proverbial for the slow and majestic pace with which
they moved.
15. Becies . . . locvlis : 'if youhad given ten times a hundred
thousand sesterces to this frugal man, content with little, in
five days tbere would be nothing in his coffers.'
21. Carperet : ' was inveighing against.'
27. Serpens Epidaurius : the serpent is remarkable for the
keenness of its sight, as its Greek name \a.Kuv, from ty*v, ' to
see,' implies. It vvas sacred to iEsculapius, who had a temple
in Epidaurus.
28. Inquirant . . . illi : ' that they also in turn may inquire
into your vices.'
29. Minus aptus . . . hominum : ' not well suited to the witty
raillery of these gentlemen.' Horum hominum probably refers
to the persons alluded to in the preceding verse. It has been
thought that the character here described was intended for
VirgU, who is said to have been the subject of some ridicule at
SATIRES. BOOK I. 339
the court of Augustus, for his timidity and consequent awk-
wardness ; and that Horace wrote this satire in his defence.
'These gentlemen,' then, are the courtiers of Augustus.
35. Num qua . . . natura : ' whether nature has originally
sowed any vices in you.'
38. llluc . . . prozvertamur : ' let us turn to the common re-
mark.'
44. Strabonem : ' a child with distorted eyes.'
45. Pcetum : ' leering ' ; which was considered a beauty. —
Pullum : ' his chicken.'
47. Sisyphus : Mark Antony's dwarf, two feet high. — Va-
rum : Varus and Scaurus were the names of noble families,
in Rome, originally given on account of a bodily defect. Hence
the father, to cover the child's deformity, calls him after one of
these elevated characters.
56. Incrustare : defective vessels were varnished over with
pitch or wax to conceal their defects. To do this to a perfect
vessel would create a suspicion as to its soundness.
58. Tardo : ' cool,' ' reflecting.' — Pingui .- ' stupid.'
65. Impellat . . . sermone : ' may interrupt one with any trifling
conversation.'
70. Pluribus hisce . . . inclinet : ' should incline to these [vir-
tues], the more numerous, if the virtues do but preponderate.'
The metaphor is taken from weighing in a balance, when, he
eays, we should make the scale turn in favour of a friend.
76. Denique . . . ira3 : ' in short, since the vice of anger can-
not be wholly eradicated.'
78. Ponderibus . . . suis : ' her weights and measures.'
82. Labeone : ' than Labeo,' who used to contradict Augus-
tus.
85. Concedas : ' overlook.'
86. Drusonem : sc. fugit ; Druso was a usurer, and if his
debtors could not pay him at the proper time, he compelled
them to come and listen to him while he repeated his histories.
This was no light penalty, as he wrote wretchedly.
87. Qui : nominative to audit. — Kalendce : this was the time
of payment for borrowed money.
88. Mercedem .- « the interest.' — JVummos .- * the principal.' —
Unde unde : ' by some means.' — Extricat : ' procures.'
89. Porrecto jugulo : ' with neck out-stretched,' like an hum-
ble slave.
90. Potus : sc. meus amicus ; 'having drunk too freely.'
91. Evandri . . . tritum : ' worn by the hands of Evander,'
a king of ancient Latium. Some understand a dish made by
Evander, a celebrated sculptor. But tritum is seldom, if ever,
used in that sense.
96. Queis . . . peccata : ' who consider all sins as nearly equah'
i. e. the Stoics.
99. Quum . . . pecus : ' when mankind at first crept forth
from the earth a dumb and stupid race.'
340 NOTES.
100. Propter : ' on account of.'
110. Viribus editior : ' the stronger.'
112. Fastos : ' annals.' — Mundi : ' of the world.'
115. JYec vincet . . . idemque : ' nor will reason ever convince
us of this, that he sins equally and the same.'
120. Nam non vereor, utferuld, $c.
122. Furta : sc. paria. — Magnis : ' with great crimes.'
123. Si tibi . . . homines : ' if you had the reins of govern-
ment.'
126. Quod habes : the Stoics taught that a wise man was su-
periour to a king.
136. Rumperis et latras .• ' you will burst with rage, and
snarl at them.'
37. JVc longum . . . sectabitur : ' I will be short ; whilst you
a king go to the farthing bath, with no attendant but siDy Cris-
pinus.'
SATIRE IV.
Horace wisbes to show that satirical poets, who expose and
lash the real vices of the age, ought not to be considered as
slanderous ; and that pointing out examples of the vices they
censure is the most short and ready way of correcting them.
2. Atque alii . . . est : ' and others whose comedy is of the
ancient school.'
7. Mutatis tanium : the comic poets wrote in iambic verse ;
but Lucilius wrote his satires in hexameters.
8. Emunctoz naris : ' of kcen raillery.'
10. Stans pede in uno : ' standing on one foot.' This ex-
pression is used to signify ' a very short time.'
13. JYam ut . . . moror : ' for, as to writing much, I consider
that as nothing.'
14. Crispinus . . . provocat : ' Crispinus challenges me for a
very small bet,' against a large one.
19. At tu . . . imitare : the construction is, At tu, ut mavisy
O Crispine, imitare auras conclusas in hircinis follibus, labo-
rantes usque dum ignis molliat ferrum.
20. Usque : ' constantly.'
21. Ut mavis : ' as much as you please.'
22. Delatis capsis : the highest honour and reward to which
a poet aspired was to have his writings and his statue placed
in the library of Augustus, on Mount Palatine. This honour,
the poet says, Fannius had obtained unsought. This is keen
satire ; as it was a distinction wholly undeserved by Fannius,
and obtained by indirect and unfair means.
23. Timentis : sc. mei ; for which we have mea.
25. Quemvis . . . turbd : ' take any one at random from the
crowd.'
27. JE*rt : ' brazen statues.'
SATIRES. BOOK I. 34 {
28. Ad eum quo : sc. solem ; l to that with which.'
33. Foznum . . . cornu : i. e. he is a dangerous fellow. It was
customary to wind a wisp of hay about the horns of cattle that
pushed and were dangerous, to give folks a hint to be on their
guard.
41. Sermoni : • to prose.'
47. Pater ardens: this alludes to a scene in Terence's Adelphi.
48. JVepos . . .filius : ' his profligate son.'
51. JYumquid Pomponius : Horace does not admit the fact,
that in comedy the style is occasionally elevated by the subject,
to be any argument in favour of its deserving the name of poet-
ry, since a similar occasion would produce a similar effect, even
in common prose.
54. Quem si . . . pater : sc. versum ; ' which if you displace,
any angry father would rave in the same manner as he in the
play.' — Personatus : ' in the play.' Persona was a mask worn
by the ancient actors.
57. Tempora certa modosque : ' quantity and measure.'
59. No?i . . . poetcB : ' you would not even find the fragments
ofthe dismembered poet ; as if you alter the arrangement of
this passage ; Postquam, <^c.' from Ennius.
62. Alias : ' at another time,' I may inquire whether comedy
be real poetry or not.
64. Genus hoc scribendi : i. e. Satire. — Sulcius .- Sulcius and
Caprius were two infamous informers, who carried about their
indictments, or accusations, libellis.
68. Ut sis : i. e. although you may be a robber like Ccelius
and Birrus, I am not an informer, like Caprius and Sulcius.
71. Queis . . . Tigellius: ' on which the hand of the rabble
and of Hermogenes Tigellius may sweat.'
75. Suave : for suaviter ; ' sweetly.'
85. Sa;pe . . . quaternos : there were three couches, formino-
a semicircle, placed around a Roman table. On each of these,
three persons usually reclined, and sometimes more ; in this
case four are mentioned, making twelve at the dinner.
86. Qudvis : sc. raiione, or aqud.
87. Pratcr . . . potus : ' except the host, and him also at iast,
when heated with wine.'
90. lnfcsto nigris : ' so hostile to slanderers.'
98. Sed iamen . . .fugerit: ' and yet I wonder how he got
clear of that affair.' This Horace calls the most deadly kmd
of slander ; artfully to insinuate, after all these friendly profes-
sions, that he was guilty of the crime charged against him.
99. Hic . . . loliginis : ' this is the essence of black envy.'
The loligo, or cuttle fish, emits a fluid as black as ink, in order
to escape when pursue^d.
105. Utfugerem : sc. ea.
111. Sectani : Sectanus was infamous for his debaucheries ;
and Trebonius for his adulteries.
29*
342 NOTES.
122. Unum . . . objiciebat : * he placed before my view one
of the judges distinguished for knowledge and integrity.'
125. JEgros : i. e. sick through intemperance.
128. Ex hoc : ' from this kind of education.'
130. Isthinc : ' from these vices.'
132. Consilium proprium : 'my own reflection.'
135. hoc . . . belte : ' some one has done this very improperly.'
142. Judcei : the Jews were famours for their zeal in making
proselytes.
SATIRE V.
This satire contains Horace's celebrated account of a jour-
ney to Brundusium. His adventures are recounted with much
pleasantry ; and the satire is considered one of his best per-
formances. Horace accompanied Msecenas, Coccelus, and Ca-
plto to Brundusium on business of a political nature. It was on
this occasion that the reconciliation was effected between Au-
gustus and Antony, and the treaty of peace made, by which Oc-
tavia was given in marriage to Antony.
5. Aliiiis . . . unum : ' which more active travellers than we,
usually perform in one.' The gown was girt high in proportion
to the activity necessary.
11. Pueri: sc. cazperunt ; ' our servants began.' — Nautis :
1 on the boat's men.'
13. JEs : ' the fare.' — Mula : ' the mule,' by which the boat
was drawn along a canal.
21. Certbrosus : ' an irritable fellow.'
23. Quartd : i. e. the fourth hour from sunrise ; answering
to our ten cfclock.
26. Anxur : this town was built upon a barren, rocky hill,
about three miles from Feronia.
29. Soliti componere : this was the second conference at
Brundusium to reconcile Augustus and Antony.
30. Collyria : ' eye-salve.' — Lippus : ' having sore eyes.'
32. Ad unguem . . . homo : ' a man made to perfection ' ; a
figure taken from the habit of passing the nail over marble to
ascertain whether it was perfectly polished.
34. Fundos : ' Fundi,' where Aufidius Luscus acted as prae-
tor. It seems he was a scribe, and had been sent to Fundi by
the prator urbanus to oversee the affairs of it. His vanity in-
duced him to make a display before strangers of ail the insig-
nia of the office of prsetor at Rome, and rendered him an object
of their ridicule.
35. Insani . . . scribx : ' laughing at the display of badges by
this foolish scrivener.'
36. Prunccque batillum : 'a censer of burning incense.' This
vvas usually carried before persons vested with supreme au-
thority.
SATIRES. BOOK I. 343
40. Siniiessa: cat Sinuessa,' a town on the borders of
Campania.
44. Nil . . . amico : c nor shall I ever, while in my right mind,
compare any thing to a pleasant friend.'
45. Campano ponti : ' to the Campanian bridge,' over the
river Savo.
46. Parochi: sc. pmbuerunt ; parochi were eommissioners
appointed to furnish hay, wood, and other necessaries for those
who travelled on pnblic business.
54. Osci : tlie Osci, or Campanians near Capua, were noto-
rious for their vices.
55. Sarmenti . . . exstat : ' the mistress of Sarmentus is yet
living ' ; i. e. he is a runaway slave.
63. Pastorem . . . Cyclopa : ' that he would personate the Cy-
clops in a dance.' Messius seemed well calculated for this
character, as a deep scar in the forehead gave him the look of
Polyphemus ; and he could represent him without mask or
buskins.
65. Catenam: slaves of the meanest class were chained; and
when freed they consecrated their chains to Saturn. But Sar-
mentus, who had run away, is supposed to have consecrated
his chains to the Lares, who were invoked by travellers.
67. Domince : the right of his former mistress was no less
perfect over him, although he had got clear of her, and was
now a scribe.
69. Libra : a pound of bread a day was the lawful allowance
for a slave ; and he intimates that one so lank and meagre
should have been contented with it.
78. Atabulus : a destructive wind called Sirocco. Doer.
79. Erepsemus : by Syncope, for erepsissemus.
83. Quod . . . non est : ' which cannot be named in verse ' ;
although it may be known by its external marks (signis), such
as the selling of water, and the excellence of its bread. This
town is supposed to be Equotuticum, which name he could not
use in hexameter verse.
84. Venit : ' is sold.'
85. Ultra : i. e. the traveller carried this bread along with
him, ' beyond.'
93. Lymphis iratis exstructa : there are two meanings to this
expression ; one, that the town was built in despite of the en-
raged waters ; and the other, that its inhabitants were luna-
tics and visionaries. Francis has expressed it thus :
" Then water-curs'd Egnatia gave us joke,
And laughter great, to hear the moon-struck folk
Assert, if incense on their altars lay,
Without the help of fire it melts away."
96. Judccus Jjppella : ' the Jew Apella.'
97. Deos : the Epicureans believed that the gods did not
concern themselves about the affairs of the world.
344 NOTLa.
SATIRE VI.
In this satire Horace attempts to show that real greatness is
quite independent of external circumstances ; and that true no-
bility consists in personal worth, and not in the distinctions of
birth and family. He mentions his own case as a proof thatr
Msecenas selected his friends for their personal qualities ; since
he had no advantages of family to recommend him. And he pays
a grateful tribute to the memory of his father for having trained
him in the path of virtue, and instilled those principles into his
mind which seem to have laid the foundation of his happiness.
1. Non quia . . . natum : the construction is, O Mcecenas,
non suspendis adunco naso, ut plerique solent, ignotos, ut me na~
tum libertino patre, quia nemo est generosior te quidquid Lydo-
rum incoluit Etruscos fines, nec quod fuit tibi matemus atque
paternus avus qui olim imperitarent magnis legionibus. — Lydo-
rum quidquid : ' of all the Lydians.'
5. JVaso suspendis adunco : ' you sneer at.'
6. Libertino : libertinus originally meant the son of a freed-
man ; but afterwards both libertus and libcrtinus were used to
signify a freedman.
9. Ignobile : because Servius Tullius was born of a female
slave. And yet by his own merits he rose to sovereignty.
12. Contra, Lcevinum . . . populo : ' whereas, on the contrary,
Laevinus, though belonging to the family of Valerius Poplicola,
who helped to banish Tarquin the Proud from his kingdom,
was never valued one penny, even by the Roman peopie, whose
humour you know.'
14. Licuisse: i. e. ccstimatum esse. Licere was a word used
at auctions ; as, parvo pretio licet (sc. habere rem), < the thing is
cheap.'
20. Moveret: * would exclude me,' from the senate.
22. Pelle: i. e. sorte, or conditione.
24. JYon miniis . . . generosis : ' no less the ignoble than the
high-born.'
24. Qub tibi . . . tribuno : sc. profuit; ' what did it profit you,
Tullius, to resume the laticlavejyou had put off, and become
tribune ? — Tribuno, for tribunum, by attraction agreeing with
tibi, after the manner of the Greeks. This Tullius was of low
birth, and had been compelled to relinquish the laticlave by
Csesar, because he espoused the cause of Pompey ; but after
the death of Caesar he resumed it.
27. Ut quisque . . . pellibus : ' when any one is so crazy as to
cover half his leg with black leather.' The buskins worn by
senators were originally black.
30. Barrus: a vain, conceited spendthrift, who wished to
be thought handsome.
38. Tune . . . audes : ' dare you, the son of a Syrus, a Da-
mas, or a Dionysius ? ' These are the names of slaves.
SATIRES. BOOK I. 345
39. Cadmo : Cadmus was a lietor, who acted as executioner.
41. Hoc . . . videris : ' on this account you fancy yourself a
Paulus or a Massala.' These were noblemen.
43. Sonabat : Novius had a thundering voice, which could
drown the din of draymen, and the trumpets that preceded
the funeral processions. He would by this imply that the
strength of his lungs was the only recommendation of Novius
for the tribuneship, and that he was fit only for a crier.
51. Prcesertim . . . assumere : ' especially since you are so
cautious in selecting the deserving only.'
52. Felicem : ' lucky.' There was no chance in the case ;
his own merit obtained him the place he held in the esteem of
Maecenas.
58. Circumvectari : divided Tmesis.
59. Satureiano caballo : ' on a horse of Saturum.' This place
was famed for its noble breed of horses.
68. Mala lustra : ' haunts of impurity,' literally lustra means
* dens of wild beasts ' ; here it is used figuratively, for places of
bad repute.
72. Flavi : Flavius was master of a school at Venusia, where
Horace was born, in which were taught reading, writing, and
arithmetic.
73. Magni qub pueri : this is burlesque.
74. Loculos : 'sacthels.' — Tabulam : ' arithmetical tables.'
75. Octonis . . . cera: ' carrying their money on the Ides.' —
Octonis : the Ides were eight days after the Nones. The word
seems merely expletive here, epitheton ornans. Doer.
86. Si prceco . . . sequerer : ' if but an auctioneer, or a collec-
tor, as he was himself, I should have the small profits of such
an employment.'
89. Eoque . . . defendam : ' nor will I excuse myself so, as
many do, by saying it is not their fault, that they were not born
of illustrious and noble parents.'
95. Adfastum : ' to suit his pride.'
109. Lasanum: ' a travelling kitchen.' — (Enophorum : 'wine
jar.' Tullius, to save expense, travelled with his cooking ap-
paratus and wine jar, which his slaves carried.
110. Hoc : sc. modo ; ' in this way,' I live more at my ease
than you and a thousand others of senatorian rank.
114. Assuto divinis : ' I stop and hear the fortunetellers.'
Men of rank would be ashamed to be seen with the multitude
around the diviners, or fortunetellers ; but Horace was not
afraid of his dignity, and could follow his inclinations.
120. Obeundus Jlarsya : for JSIarsyas ; there was a statue of
Marsyas in the forum, near the Rostra, where the judges, law-
yers, and parties interested, assembled to decide causes. The
poet humourously represents the statue as frowning with in-
dignation at the sight of the younger of the Novii, who from a
slave was become a magistrate.
346 NOTES.
127. Quantum . . . durdre : { sufficient to prevent hunger dur-
ing the day,' i. e. till evening, when the Roraans indulged
freely.
SATIRE VII.
While Horace was military tribune in the army of Brutus,
there was in the same camp one Rupilius Rex, who, jealous of
his advancement, often reproached him with his low birth.
Our poet, by way of retaliation for this insolence, takes occa-
eion to describe to Brutus a contest that happened one day be-
tween Rex and one Persius, a merchant, who was there for the
purposes of trade. He gives the whole an air of solemnity
which heightens the burlesque.
1. Proscripti . . . esse : the construction is, Opinor notum esse
omnibus et lippis et tonsoribus, quo pacto ibrida Persius ultus sit
pus atque venenum proscripti Rupili Regis. — Proscripti : Rex
had been proscribed by Augustus.
2. Ibrida, or hybrida : * mongrel ' ; which epithet is applied
to Rex, because his father was a Greek and his mother an
Italian.
5. Clazomenis : Clazomense was a city of Asia Minor.
8. Sise?mas : Sisenna and Barrus were the most celebrated
railers in Rome. — Albis : white horses were considered the
swiftest
9. Postquam . . .fortes, fyc. : ' after all attempts to make up
the breach had failed, (for all, between whom there happens a
quarrel, are obstinate in their hostility in the same degree that
they are brave,' &c.)
20. Bacchius : he says the gladiators * Bacchius and Bithus
were not more equally matched.' They always put to death
whoever fought with them. They afterwards engaged each
Other, and both expired on the stage.
25. Canem : ' the dog-star.'
27. Fertur qub rara securis : * where the axe is seldom car-
ried ' ; because the torrent has carried away the trees, and left
nothing for the woodcutter.
28. Pranestinus : Rupilius was born at Praeneste.
29. Expressa arbusto : i. e. drawn from the coarse raillery of
the vineyard. The vines grew upon trees beside the road ; and
those who went up to gather the grapes were exposed to the
jibes of travellers, which were commonly retorted upon them.
34. Reges . . . toltere : Brutus had only shared in killing
Csesar, but his ancestor L. J. Brutus had expelled the Tar-
quins.
SATIRES. BOOK I. 347
SATIRE VIII.
The poet introduces Priapus, overseer of the gardens, com-
plaining against the sorceresses Canidia and Sagana ; and
describing their secret enchantraents and their diabolical prac-
tices.
3. J\Ialuit esse deum: * concluded to make a god of me.'
When the artificer found the inutile lignum unfit even for a
stool to sit upon, he made a god of it. This is satire indeed
upon the mythology of his country.
4. Dextra : the image held a cane or club in its right hand,
and a reed fastened to his head.
6. Novis : Maecenas had lately built a palace, and laid out
extensive gardens in the neighbourhood of the Esquiline Hill.
7. Angustis . . • cellis : the bodies of the poor were in times
past brought here from their narrow cells, or huts, by their
fellow slaves.
10. Pantolabo : both these persons were still living, but as
they had squandered away their estates in dissipation, Horace
appoints a burial-place for them with the lowest of the rabble.
11. Cippus : when ground was set aside for any use, it was
customary for the dimensions to be marked on a pillar set up
for the purpose on the margin of it.
12. Hceredes . . . sequeretur .- ' that this burying ground might
never revert to the heirs of the estate.'
14. Quo . . . agrum : ' from which but lately men had be-
held the field deformed and white with human bones.'
10. Quum . . . animos : ' although thieves and beasts of prey,
accustomed to infest this region, were not sovexatious to me as
those hags, who by their enchantments and poisons disturb the
shades of men.' After quantiim, understand veneficce sunt. Pri-
apus uses the present tense, although speaking of the state of
things on Esquiliae prior to the improvements recently made
by Maecenas.
24. Cum Sagand majore : 'with Sagana the elder.' There
were two sisters of this name.
30. Lanea .- the image of wool represented the person whom
the sorceresses favoured ; that of wax, the intended victim of
the charm. The waxen image melted, as indicative of their
conquest over the person it represented.
38. Pediatia : to express his contempt for the effeminacy of
Pediatius, Horace gives him the feminine gender.
41. Lupi . . . colubraz : ' the hair of a wolf and the tooth of a
spotted snake.'
44. Voces . . . duarum : ' at the words and actions of these
two Furies.'
46. Diffissd : the wood, not being perfectly dry, was split by
the heat with a loud crack, which frightened the witches, and
they ran off in great terror.
348 NOTES.
48. Incantata lacertis vincula : ' enchanted bracelets.' Cani-
dia lost her teeth, and Sagana her false hair and bracelets.
SATIRE IX.
The class of impertinent obtruders described, and most hap-
pily hit orT, in this satire, is too numerous to be unknovvn to any,
and too great a nuisance not to be detested by all. The poet
gives a humourous account of a fellovv who accidentally met him
in his walk, and whom he found it impossible to shake off.
1. Vid Sacrd : this was the street through which triumphal
processions passed to the Capitol.
2. Totus in illis : ' wholly absorbed in them.'
5. Suaviter . . . est: ' pretty well, at present.'
7. Noris . . . sumus : ' I wish your acquaintance, sir ; I am a
man of letters; says he.'
10. Puero : ' to my servant boy.'
11. Cerebri felicem ■' ' happy of temperament.' He congratu-
lates Bolanus on his faculty of getting rid of such fellows at
once.
15. Sed nil agis u ' but you will not succeed.'
20. lniquco mentis : ' discontented.'
24. Quis . . . canto : ' who can dance more gracefully ? and
Hermogenes himself would envy my singing.'
28. Omnes composui : ' I have buried them all.'
29. Sabella . . . urnd : ' which a Sabine fortuneteller predict-
ed to me when a boy, the old woman having shaken her magic
urn.' Letters and words wore put into an urn, which was
then well shaken ; and the fortune was inferred from the ar-
rangement these assumed on being thrown out.
33. Quandocunque : separated by Tmesis ; ' one day.'
35. Ad Vestm : sc. templum.
36. Respondere vadato . ' to answer to his bail.' If he failed
he forfeited the penalty of his recognisance.
38. Stare : ' to stand,' so long as is necessary in a court of
justice.
43. Macenas quomodo tecum : ' on what footing are you with
Msecenas ? '
44. Paucorum . . . sance : ' he has few intimates, and is very
particular in his selection of them.'
46. Secundas : sc. partcs ; ' the second piace.'
47. Hunc . . . omnes : ' if you are willing to introduce me ;
may I die if you don't supplant all your rivals.' Summosses for
summovisses.
54. Velis . . . expugnabis : ' you have only to wish it ; with
such merit you cannot fail of success.'
64. Lentissima : i. e. apparently without feeling.
69. Tricesima sabbata : ' the thirtieth sabbath.' The Jewish
SATIRES. 349
Passover commenced on the thirtieth sabbath of their year,
which began on the first of September. This festival lasted
eight days, and was kept so strictly on the two first and
two last days, that it was unlawful even to speak of business
or secular concerns.
69. Vin> : for visne.
70. Curtis Judceis oppedere ■• ' to offend the circumcised Jews.'
72. Hunccine solem tam nigrum : i. e. " diem tam infaustum."
Doer.
76. Licet antestari : ' will you witness the arrest ? ' This was
addressed to Horace.
77. Oppono auriculam : ' 1 offer my ear ' ; i. e. to be touched.
This was the form observed in taking a person to witness, as
an admonition for him to recollect it. When a man had given
bail in a court of justice, if he neglected to appear at the time
appointed, he might be taken by force before the prsetor, but
not before some one had witnessed the arrest, who must do it
voluntarily.
SATIRE X.
Lucilius had numerous admirers in Rome, who were greatly
disobliged by the freedom and severity with which he was
treated in the fourth satire of this book. Horace was deter-
mined to support his own judgment ; and instead of making an
apology, justifies what he had said with all his strength.
1. Nempe . . . Lucili : ' it is true, I did say that the verses of
Lucilius were unfinished ' ; i. e. I said so in Satire IV.
3. At idem . . . eddem : ' and yet he is praised in the same
satire for chastising the city with much lively wit.' — Sale defri-
cuit .■ ' rubbed with salt.'
6. Laberi mimos : * the farces of Liberius.' These were full
of broad humour.
14. Ridiculum . . . res i even in things of much importance,
ridicule often cuts more deeply and successfully than the strong-
est reasoning. — Acri: sc. argumento.
16. llli : ' those men.' — Quibus . . . viris est •• 'by whom the
ancient comedy was written.'
J7. Hoc stabant: 'reiied on this.'
18. Simius iste : some ridiculous performer, commonly sup-
posed to be Demetrius.
21. O seri studiorum: 'late in learning,' ignorant. — Quine
putetis : ' how can you think.'
22. Rhodio quod Pitholeonti : ' which could be done by tbe
Rhodian Pitholeon.'
24. Nota : the mark showing the kind and the age of any
wine. — JYota Falerni : means here ' Falernian wine.' Faler-
nian wine was rough, and Chian soft.
30. Bilinguis : the inhabitants of Canusium were a mixture
30
350 NOTES.
of Greeks and Latins, and spoke the language of neither cor-
rectly; but a jargon made up of both.
36. Turgidus . . . caput : ' whilst bombastic Alpinus murders
Memnon, and renders turbid the source of the Rhine,' or makes
the river-god with a head of mud. Alpinus had written a
tragedy called Memnon, from the hero of it.
38. Quce . . . Tarpd : ' which will not be recited in the tem-
ple of Apollo for the palm of excellence before Tarpa as judge.'
Augustus appointed five judges, of whom Metius Tarpa was
one, to hear the pieces and distribute prizes for poetical excel-
lence ; and also to determine what pieces should be spoken on
the stage. The recital was commonly in the temple of Apollo,
built by Augustus, and furnished with a library.
40. Argutd . . . Fundani : the construction is, Tu, O Funda-
ni, unus vivorum potes, comis garrire libellos, argutd meretrice
Davoque eludente senem Chremeta. This alludes to a scene in
Terence's Andria ; where an artful courtesan, and Davus, a
slave, dupe the miser Chremes.
43. Pede ter percusso : i. e. in iambics ; called trimeter.
48. Inventore minor : sc. Lucilio ; Horace acknowledged Lu-
cilius to be the inventor of satire, and in that species of writing
his superiour.
55. Non ut . . . reprensis : ' not as superiour to those cen-
sured.'
57. lllius : 'of his genius.'
63. Capsis . . . propriis : ' whom report makes to have been
burnt with his own books and papers.' See Class. Dict.
66. Quam . . . auctor .• sc. Ennius ; ' than Ennius, the author
(writer) of a rude kind of poetry unknown to the Greeks.' Auc-
tor cannot refer to the inventor of satire, Lucilius, as Heindorf
and others have supposed ; as the passage after the words sed
ille does not agree with his character. Auctor means scriptor ;
and the passage refers to Ennius.
72. Stylum vertas : i. e. invert the stylus to erase words with
the flat end, so formed for the purpose of erasing, and smooth-
ing the wax on which they wrote.
76. Nam satis . . . dixit : ' it is sufficient for me if the kings
applaud, as said the bold Arbuscula, when hissed off the stage,
despising the rabble.' She was a celebrated comedian.
78. Cimex : ' disgusting.'
82. Odavius : this was an eminent poet and historian. Au-
gustus had ceased to be called Octavius.
84. Ambitione relegatd : ' free from all arts to gain favour.'
92. Puer : ' secretary ' ; add this satire to what I have be-
fore written on this subject.
SATIRES. 351
BOOK II.
SATIRE I.
This satire contains a dialogue between Horace and Treba-
tius, an eminent counsellor and a distinguished scholar. The
poet asks the advice of Trebatius, wlio counsels him to give up
the writing of satires, as calculated to render bim odious ; and
to celebrate the achievements of Augustus. Horace refuses to
follow his advice, saying that he was not qualified for so
high a subject ; but that he must write something, and as he
liked satire, and as no one had any right to be displeased with
him for satirizing vices, if he lived correctly himself, he should
go on writing in this way.
4. Dcduci posse : ' could be spun out.'
7. Ter . . . Tiberim : ' having anointed themselves, let them
swim thrice across the Tiber.' This prescription is very pro-
perly given in the imperative mode.
16. Scribere : ' describe and praise.'
17. Scipiadam . . . Lucilius : ' as discreet Lucilius praised
Scipio for these virtues ' ; i. e. Scipio Africanus.
20. Cui . . . tutus : ' whom if you caress unskillfully, he re-
sents it, and is wholly inaccessible.' A metaphor taken from
spirited horses, wlucb are pleased to be caressed by a skillful
hand, but wince and kick if handled clumsily.
24. Saltat . . . lucernis .- ' Milonius falls to dancing as soon as
his head gets heated with wine, and the lamps appear to him
double.'
26. Ovo prognatus eodem : Pollux. \
29. Nostriim melioris utroque : ' who can do more than bbth
of us,' in this kind*of writing.
33. Veluti descripta .- ' as if painted.' Events in persons'
lives were often painted, and consecrated in a temple to some
god. Such a piece was called votiva tabella.
34. Sequor hunc: by a satirical imitation of Lucilius, who
often digressed into remarks about himself, Horace here gives
an account of his own extraction.
39. Sed hic . . . animantem : ' but my pen shall never wanton-
ly attack any living being.'
46. Insignis •. i. e. held up to ridicule.
47. Urnam : the judges cast their votes of acquittal or of
condemnation into an urn.
48. Jllbuti : sc. Jilia minatur.
49. Turius : a revengeful magistrate, who commonly threat-
ened his enemies with the loss of their suit if it came before
him.
352 NOTES.
53. Sccevce . . . nepoti : c to profligate Scseva.' This vvas an
unprincipled spendthrift, who was said ta have poisoned his own
mother, because she lived longer than he wished.
57. JVe longum faciam : ' to be short.'
60. Ut sis vitalis metuo : ' I fear that you are not long-lived,'
i. e. that you are not in the favour of the great. — Ut metuo .-
see Lat. Grara. R. LX. Obs. 7.
62. Frigore te feriat : ' may chill you to death by a look.'
65. Qui : Scipio Africanus.
67. Ingenio offensi .• ' offended by the satirical vein,' of Lu-
cilius ? Metellus and Lupus were satirized by Lucilius.
69. Tributim : i. e. " per singulas tribus." Doer.
70. Uni cequus virtuti : ' sparing virtue only.'
71. Quin . . . soliti : ' and yet this brave Scipio, and this
mild and wise Lselius, when they retired in private from the
vulgar and the scene of public life, were wont to unbend, and
sport with Lucilius, while their dinner of herbs was cooking,'
77. lllidere dentem : ' to fasten his teeth ' ; alluding to the
fable of the viper and the file.
79. Difjindere : ' refute.'
83. Si quis mala : the term mala in the law just cited by
Trebatius, means, i slanderous,' 'libellous' ; whichHorace per-
verts to ' badly made ' ; having nothing to answer seriously.
86. Solventur risu tabulce . . . abibis : ' the indictment will be
quashed with a laugh, and you acquitted.'
SATIRE II.
. The advantages of temperate living, in its effects both on the
body and the mind, are set forth in this satire with much truth
and simplicity. They are represented as coming from an un-
lettered peasant, who delivers them without affectation, as the
result of his own experience and observation.
1. Boni : ' my good friends.' ^
2. Ofellus : Horace being an Epicurean has very judiciously
put these remarks into the mouth of Ofellus, a countryman of
sound sense and practical wisdom.
3. Mnormis . . . Minerva : ' a philosopher unshackled by
rules, and with an uncultivated genius.'
5. Acies ■■ ' the eye.'
7. Impransi : i. e. non inter magnificas epulas.
11. Gmcari : ' to drink like the^Greeks ' ; who were notori-
ous for sitting long at table and drinking hard.
12. Studio : ' your interest in the game,' beguiling the labour
of it.
13. Cedentem : ' yielding.'
15. ^erae : sc sipotes.—Mella .- by Hypallage, for Falemum
melle dilu.tum.
20. Pulmentaria : ' delicious sauces.'
SATIRES. BOOK II. 353
"21- Pinguem vitiis albumque : ' bloated with luxury, and pale
with disease.'
22. Scarus . . . lagois : the former was a fish, and the latter, a
foreign bird, not known now ; each of great delicacy.
25. Vanis : sc. imaginibus : • by vain appearances.'
29. Carne . . . illa : the construction is, quamvis tamen illa
caro gallinae nihil magis distat hdc carne pavonis.
31. Unde datum sentis: 'how can you distinguish by the
taste ? '
32. Hiet: for sit; as expressing the voracity of this fish.
37. His : i. e. to the mullets.
38. Magnum : sc. mullum.
40. Coquite: 'taint.'
41. Putet : ' are nauseous.' — Malacopia: ' hurtful plenty.'
44. Pauperies : ' cheap fare.' — Vilibus : ' cheap.'
45. JYigris : olives intended for the table were gathered
when they began to ripen and turn black.
49. Auctor . . . prcetorius : when Asinius Sempronius Rufus
'was candidate for the prsetorship, he caused a dish ofyoung
storks to be served up for his guests. The people revenged the
death of the poor birds by refusing the prastorship to their de-
stroyer. The poet humourously stiles him praitorius.
51. Pravi docilis : ' easily taught depravity.'
59. Repotia : ' a marriage feast ' ; given the day after the
wedding, a repetition of festivity.
60. Albatus -. the Romans always appeared in white togas 011
public occasions. — Cornu ipse bilibri : he is afraid to trust his
servants or his guests with his oil flask ; for fear they should use
it too profusely. He keeps it in a horn that held two pounds,
his whole stock, and pours it on (instillat) drop by drop.
65. ln neutram . . . miser : i. e. neither in avarice nor in
prodigality.
66. Dum munia didit : ' whilst he assigns their duties.'
67. Scbvus : ' too strict.' — Simplex : ' too negligent.'
76. Cazna . . . dubid : ' from a various and costly supper ' ;
where there is such a variety of dishes as to make one at a loss
(dubius) which to use.
89. Qubd hospes . . . consumeret : i. e. because they had
rather that a guest coming unexpectedly should eat part of it
with them, though rather musty, than greedily to devour the
whole at once whilst sweet.
93. Qua : sc. fama. — Carmine gratior . . . humanam : ' which
charms the ear more sweetly than music'
102. Indignus : 'not deserving to sufTer privation.'
113. JSletato : this farm, formerly the property of Offellus
was among the confiscated estates, and had been 'measured
out' to the veteran soldiers of Augustus, in the same manner as
those of Virgil, Propertius, Tibullus, and others.
114. Mercede colonum : i. e. OfFellus hired the land that was
30*
354 NOTES.
formerly his own, and paid a price for the same to Umbremisv
to whom it fell in the distribution of the lands.
115. Temerk .- ' without good reason.'
121. Duplice : "intellige ficus bifidas ; ficus enim in duas
partes divisse siccabantur, et tunc aridse in mensa secunda ap-
ponebantur." Doer.
122. Cuppd . . . magistrd : i. e. to drink as he pleased, with-
out restraint. The Romans commonly had a drinking master,
or king of the feast, who prescribed the rules by which they
were to drink. Here the wine-cask was the only master, and
it gave to each what he pleased to drink. There are various
readings ; culpd and cupd.
127. Nituistis : ' have you fared.' — Novus incola .• Umbre-
nus.
SATIRE III.
This satire, written by way of dialogue, is intended to show
that all mankind are either madmen or fools. Horace had re-
tired into the conntry during the Saturnalia. Damasippus, a
stoic philosopher, }'ays him a visit, and in conversation blames
him for not writing and publishing something new, instead of
remaining idle, or retouching his former works. The discourse,
by an easy transition, turns upon Damasippus and his mode of
life. This leads to an explanation of the doctrines of the stoics,
and a justification of their dogmas. The various passions, which
tyrannize over the human heart, are pourtrayed with inimitable
skill. The whole conversation is interspersed with moral re-
flections and useful instruction.
2. Retexens : ' retouching ' ; ' correcting.'
5. Saturnalibus : the feast of Saturn commenced on the 15th,
and continued till the 21st of December ; during which period
there was an entire cessation from business.
7. Immeritusque . . . poetis : ' and the unoffending wall suf-
fers, born under the malediction of gods and poets.' When the
verses did not come to suit the poet, he would after a while get
out of patience, and vent his vexation by striking the wall, or
by scratching his head. See Book I. Sat. X. 71.
9. Vultus : sc. tuus. — Minantis : ' promising ' ; ' threatening
to perform.'
10. Vacuum : sc. te.
11. Platona Menandro, fyc. : these were books brought with
him.
15. Vitd meliore : i. e. wher your life was better employed.
17. Tonsore : the stoics cherished long beards, which Horace
aims at by the gift of a barber.
18. Janum ad medium : there was a street crossing the Ro-
man forum called Janus ; the upper part of this was called pri-
mus, or suiamus Janus ; the middle of it, where business was
SATIRES. BOOK II. 355
principally transacted, was called medius Janus ; and lower
part, imus Janus. Doer. The meaning is, after that my busi-
ness was broken up on exchange.
21. Vafer ille . . . Sisyphus .- Damasippus says he was for-
merly a great virluoso, and could search out curious specimens
of art, and assign their value to them. Sisyphus was celebrated
for his ingenuity. See Class. Dict.
23. Millia centum : sc sestertium.
25. JMercuriale ; ' a favourite of Mercury,' the god of mer-
chandise.
28. Novus : sc. morbus. — In cor . . . dolere : * a pain in the
side or head passing into the stomach.'
30. Quumjit . . . urget: ' when he becomes frantic, and beats
his physician.'
31. Dum . . . Ubet : ' do but avoid this example (i. e. do not
beat me), and rave as you please.'
33. Siquid . . . crepat: ' if Stertinius speaks any truth.' He
was a stoic philosopher who wrote a great many books on the
subject.
36. Fabricio : the Pons Fabricius, a bridge crossing the Ti-
ber, was the place he had chosen for drowning himself.
33. Dexter stetit .- ' fortunately he was there ' ; i. e. Stertinius.
44. Porticus et grex : 'the portico and school.' This refers to
the portico, trroa, where Zeno, the founder of the sect of stoics,
gave his precepts. Chrysippus was an early and active disciple
of Zeno.
45. Formula : ' rule ' ; or ' definition.'
46. Tenet : ' includes.'
53. Caudam trahit •• ' drags a tail ' ; i. e. is laughed at. Chil-
dren often tie a tail, or something to drag, behind a person they
wish to make ridiculous.
59. Serva : ' take care ' ; i. e. see the ditch, or the rock be-
fore you.
61. Quum llionam . . . clamantibus : ' when he represented
Iliona sleeping, and slept on, though twelve hundred spectators
cried out, Mother, help me.' In the play of Pacuvius, called the
lliona, Polymnestor, king of Thrace, who had married Priam's
eldest daughter Iliona, murders Polydorus, Priam's youngest
son, and leaves him unburied. The ghost of Polydorus appears
to Uiona in her sleep, informs her of what had happened, and
intreats her to bury his body. Fusius, who took the part of
Iliona, should have awoke and sprung from his couch, when
Catienus, in the character of Polydorus's ghost, called out in
the words Jlater, te appello. But being intoxicated, he slept
in good earnest ; and neither Catienus, nor the whole audience
of twelve hundred persons could rouse him by joining in the
cry, Mater, te appello. On account of her age, and the relation
in which Iliona stood to Polydorus as an adopted child, she is
styled mother. Some think that Pacuvius followed another
356
NOTES.
fable, and that Polymnestor, by mistake, killed his own son for
Polydorus.
69. Scribe decem a Nerone : l write a receipt for ten thousand
sesterces from Nerius ' ; i. e. the banker of Perillius. He who
borrowed money wrote a receipt for the sum borrowed in the
banker's book ; thus, " I have received so much of such a one's
money from such a banker." When the money was paid, the
receipt was erased. To do this was rescribere ; seeverse 76. —
Adde Cicute . . . centum : ' add the hundred clauses and forms of
knotty Cicuta.' This was a practised old notary, who understood
all the turns and technical forms of the law in relation to bonds.
Hence he is stiled nodosus. These forms are here called
tabulas centum.
71. Prottus : sc. Damasippus ; the parties are Perillius the
lender of the money, Nerius his banker, and Damasippus the
borrower.
72. Malis ridentem alienis : ' laughing with the cheeks of
another ' ; a proverbial expression, rendered by some, ' as if his
cheeks were not his own,' ' immoderately,' and by others, ' at
his creditor's expense.'
74. lnsani est .- ' is the part of a madman.'
75. Putidius . . . gossis : ' believe me, the brain of Perillius
is much more addle* who loans you money, which you can nev-
er repay.' — Dictantis .- i. e. ordering l.is banker to pay.
82. Ellebori : hellebore was admimstered for disordered minds.
83. Nescio . . . omnem : ' I know not but prudence would re-
serve for them the whole produce of Anticyra ' ; where helle-
bore grew.
84. Summam incidere sepulcro .- ' inscribed upon his monu-
ment the sum they received.' Staberius enjoined this upon his
heirs, and as a penalty for a failure in this, they were condemned
to entertain the people with a show of two hundred gladiators.
86. Arbitrio Arri .- Arrius was appointed by Staberius his ex-
ecutor.
87. Sive ego : Staberius is supposed to say this. Every man
has a right to do as he pleases with his own property.
88. Patruus : i. e. severe, as uncles were.
103. NU agit . . . resolvit : ' an example, that solves one diffi-
culty by raising another, proves nothing.'
117. "Undeoctoginta annos natus : ' seventy-nine years old.'
132. Argis : ' at Argos,' where Orestes killed his mother.
141. Splendida bilis : ' rage.'
143. Veientanum : this was the poorest ware in Italy.
152. Men' vivo : ' what, while I am alive ? '—Hoc age .- ' do
this ' ; i. e. recover your strength.
155. Hoc ptisanarium oryzce .- ' this decoction of rice.'
156. Ociussibus : ' six pence ' ; an as was about three far-
things.
161. Non est cardiacus : ' has rot his stomach disordered.-
The physician is supposed to say this.
SATIRES. BOOK II. 357
162. Negabit : sc. Craterus, medicus.
166. Barathro: 'to the gulf ' of ambition, or extravagance.
<2. Et ludere : ' and lose at play.'
75. JYomentanum : he was a spendthrift. — Cicutam : he was
iiser.
80. Uter . . . prcetor : ' which ever of you would be aedile or
itor,' may a father's curse light on him.
183. Latus : ' uplifted,' ' borne aloft.'
187. Atrida, cur vetas : the poet wishes to show that ambition
no less madness than avarice ; and makes Stertinius next ar-
ign Agamemnon, with whom he holds the following conver-
-tion.
189. Imperito : * I command.'— Inulto : ' with impunity.'
195. lnhumato : sc. Ajace.
205. Adverso littore : i. e. the port of Aulis, where the Gre-
ian fleet was detained by a contrary wind.
208. Qui species . . . habebitur : the construction is, Qui ca-
riet species alias (alienas) a veris, permixtasque tumultu sceleris,
s habebitur commotus secundam mentem.
213. Stas animo : * are you in your right mind ? '
216. Rufam aut Rujillam : 4 my darling, my little darling ' ;
or some such childish language. These words are written vari-
ously ; Pupam, Pupillam ; Pusam, Pusillam, &c.
223. Cruentis : sc. rebus, vel spectaculis.
225. Vincet : ' will prove.' — JVepoUs , ' spendthrifts.1
227. Edicit : ' he gives out word.'
229. Velabro : Velabrum was a street where oil-mongers, fish-
dealers, &c. lived.
231. Leno : the pimp speaks for the whole company, ofTering^
their services and whatever they possessed.
233. Juvenis . the young spendthrift heir.
237. Decies : sc. centena millia sestertium.
238. Filius JEsopi : the son of iEsop the actor, dissolved a
pearl in vinegar, worth a million sesterces, and drank it. This
gave the idea to Cleopatra of doing the same with a pearl of
still more value.
240. Qui : ' in what.' — Ac si : ' than if.'
243. Gemellum: 'twins,' in depravity.
245. Quorsum . . . notandi : ' how are they to be ranked ?
Must they be marked with chalk, as sane, or with charcoal, as
insane ? '
246. JEdijicare casas • ' to build paper houses.'
249. Si.K. . amare : ' if reason shall prove love to be more
childish than these.'
250. Trimus quale priiis : ' such as you did formerly when
three years old.'
253. Polemon : this was a thoughtless rake, who happened
one day, as he came from his scene of revelry, to pass by the
school of Xenocrates, and went in from curiosity. The philoso-
358 NOTES.
pher ingeniously turned his discourse upon temperance, and
recommended this virtue so strongly, that Polemon was struck
by the force of his arguments, tore off the garlands of flowera
which he had worn at the banquet, and became so eminent a
student of philosophy that he finally succeeded Xenocrates in
his school.
256. Impransi : ' sober ' ; ' serious.'
258. Amator . . . distat : * how does the discarded lover dif-
fer?'
264. O here • his servant comes up and makes this speech to
him.
269. Redere certa sibi: 'to render steady and fixed.'
271. Picenis : the apples which grew in the Picene territory
were superior to others.
272. Gaudes . . .forte : ' you are delighted if by chance you
hit the place you aimed at in the room.'
273. Feris : a metaphor from a musical instrument to strik*
out a sound.
275. Ignem gladio scrutare : ' to stir the fire with a sword ' ;
meaning to increase an evil.
276. Hellade percussd • ' having murdered his mistress Hel-
277. Cerritus : for Cereritus ; struck with madness by Ceres.
279. Cognata . . . rebus : ' different names to the same thing.'
Madness, folly, and wickedness are considered the same thing
by our poet.
280. Siccus : ( sober.'
281. Lautis manibus : i. e. his hands were washed, and pre-
pared for some religious ceremony.
282. Surpite : for surripite ; ' save me, me alone, from death.'
284. Nisi liiigiosus : ' unless he wished a law-suit.'
286. Fozcundd . . . Meneni : as if Menenius were the head of
a family of fools.
288. Cubantis t ' confined to his bed.'
290. Tu indicis jejunia : ' you appoint your fast.' Religious
festivals were introduced by fasting.
302. Agave : in a fit of Bacchanalian fury tore her son Pen-
theus in pieces, and carried his head about, as if it were that of
a wild beast she had slain.
307. JEdificas : Horace was probably enlarging his country
house.
308. Bipedalis : by humourously saying that he, though but
' two feet high,' was imitating tall men, Damasippus would im-
ply that Horace ought not to imitate his superiours in his mode
of living. — Et idem . . . incessum: ' and yet you laugh at the
fierceness and majestic air of Turbo in arms, as too lofty for his
size.' Turbo was a gladiator of very small stature.
323. Teneas . . . tuis te: ' O Damasippus, do keep yourself to
your own affairs.'
SATIRES. BOOK II. 359
SATIRE IV.
This satire consists of an amusing dialogue between the po-
et and one Catius,- vvho pretends to be a great philosopher, and
also to be profoundly versed in the science of cookery. But he
becomes ridiculous by attaching so much importance to what is
of little consequence ; and more particularly by exposing his
utter ignorance of the subject 011 which he discourses. The
whole is a keen satire upon that class of men who place their
supreme happiness in the pleasures of the table. This he con-
siders an abuse of Epicureanism, in the refined forms of which
he was himself a believer.
1. Aventi . . . praceptis : ' wishing to impress on my mind
some new precepts,' which I have just learned.
3. Pythagoran, Anyti reum : Socrates, who was accused by
Anytus.
7. Sive . . . utroque: 'whether this is by natural or artificial
memory, you being wonderful in both.'
12. Longa . . . erit : ' to such eggs as shall have a long ap-
pearance.' Catius very properly begins with the eggs, which
form the flrst dish of the first course, and proceeds to the se-
cond course, or the fruit. The following precepts given by
Catius, are in general false and absurd.
13. Ut magis alma : ' as more nourishing.'
14. Ponere : i. e. apponerc tibi.
26. Mulso : Mulsum is strong wine mixed with honey.
27. Si dura . . . alvus : ' if you are costive.'
29. Et lapathi . . . Coo : ' and sorrel steeped in white Coan
wine.'
32. Murice: the murex, peloris, and ostrea are different kinds
of shell-fish. Misenum is a promontory of Campania.
37. Card . . . mensd : ' to sweep off the fishes from a dear
stall ' ; i. e. to buy them all at a great price.
38. Ignarum . . . aptius : ' not knowing which are best serv-
ed up with sauce.'
43. Vinea : ' the vine ' is good for fatting goats.
47. JVova . . . promit: ' only produces new kinds of pastry.'
54. Lino : ' by being strained through linen.'
57. Ima . . . aliena: 'attracting foreign substances sinks to
the bottom.' In fact it is not the yolk, but the white of eggs
that clarifies wine.
61. Flagitat : sc. potor. — ln morsus refici: i. e. to be re-
stored to a fresh appetite.
65. Mwid : ' with pickle.'
66. Qud . . . orca : ' in which the Byzantian fish has been
allowed to putrefy and dissolve.'
68. Stetit : ' has stood some time.'
71. Venucula : sc. uva.
73. Hanc ego . . . halec : i. e. I first introduced the use of
360 NOTES.
this Albanian grape with apples, and the sauce made of lees of
wine and pickle.
75. lncretum: mixed and pounded together.
83. Ten* . . . palmd : sc. decet ; ' does it become you to
sweep a floor of tesselated marble with a dirty broom ? '
84. lllota toralia : ' dirty couches.'
86. lllis : i. e. not recollecting, that by how much the less
expensive these things pertaining to cleanliness are, by so much
the more reprehensible it is to be deficient here, than in things
only to be expected at the banquets of the rich.
SATIRE V.
This satire contains a dialogue between Ulysses and Tire-
sias, a famous blind prophet. Homer represents Ulysses as
descending to the infernal regions to consult Tiresias on the
events of his voyage. On his return to Ithaca, Ulysses finds
that Penelope's suitors had plundered and wasted his property.
As the predictions of Tiresias had so far proved true, Ulysses
is here represented as having raised his spirit to consult him
further, as to the manner of repairing his fortune. This satire
contains the advice of the soothsayer.
1. Prceter narrata : ' in addition to what you told me before.'
3. Doloso : sc. tibi.
10. Turdus . . . illuc : ' should a thrush or any delicacy be
given you, send it quickly there.'
14. Ante Larem : i. e. even before your offering to your
household god.
18. Utne . . . latus : ' that I may protect the side of a vile
slave Dama?5
22. Ruam • for eruam : ' I may obtain.'
32. Quinte : when a slave obtained his freedom, he took the
praznomeii of Qiiintus, Publius, or the like.
36. Cassd nuce : ' an empty nut ' ; any trifle.
38. Fi cognitor ipse : ' do you become his counsel.'
40. Infantes Matuas . . . Mpes : Horace here ndicules two
poets. One of them had called statues infantine, meaning that
they were just made. The other represented Jupiter spitting
snow upon the Alps.
45. Validus male : ' in feeble health.'
46. Sublatus: 'raised'; referring to the custom of parents
lifting up a child when born, if they wished to have it pre-
served— JVe manifcstum . . . te : ' that two obvious obsequious-
ness to bachelors may not expose you.'
53. Sic tamen . . . versu : the construction is, Tamen sic ut
rapias limis oculis quid prima cera secundo versu. Prima cera
signifies the first page of the will ; in the first line of which
was the name of the testator ; and in the second, secundo versu,
was that of the principal heir, which was followed by the names
c f the co-heirs.
SATlRES. BOOK II. 3(51
55. Recoctus : i. e. versed in the tricks of the law, havin^
passed through the inferiour offices, such as that of quinqutvir,
a kind of court bailiff.
59. Aut erit, aut non : ' will corne to pass or no:,' as I havo
preuictcd.
62. Juvenis : Augustus.
65. Soldum : for solidum ; sc. debitum.
74. E.r tcstamento . . . tlata : ' aceording to her will Was so
carried out for burial.'
81. Capile obstipo: ' with head inclined,' in nn obsequious
rnanner, as a slave to listen to his master's commands.
99. Sparge subinde : throvv out occasionally some such ex-
pression as this, Ergo nunc, ^r.
98. Nummo . . . a 'dicerc •. this signifies to sell for any little
coin, just to ansvver the lavv, which required the form of a sale
for moncy to render a transrer valid.
SATIRE VI.
The poct, after expresslng his contentment and his gratitude
for the blessings he enjoys, contrasts the confusion, bustle, and
vexatious business of the city, vvith the quiet and ratiional en-
joyments of the country.
1. lla : ' very.'
5. JMaid nate : gains acquired by industry were ascribed to
* Mercury ' ; sudden and unexpected wealth, to Hercules. Ses
verse 13.
15. Ingenium: he prays to have every thing fat except his
uhderstanding.
17. Mus&que pedestrd : ' plain, familiar poetry ' ; distinguish-
«*d from prose only by measvre.
19. Qucestus: ' a source of incorne,' to Libitina.
20. Matuiine : Janus was the god of ti:ne ; hence he is styied
• father of itaorning.'
'2-3. Rotnce . . . rapis : ' vvhen at Rome you hurry me to be-
come surety ' for my friends.
94. Urge : ' make haste.'
27. Postmodo . . . tardis : 'after I have spoken with a clear
and distinct voice, what may cost me trouble afterwards,
I then have to struggle with the crowd, and violence must bs
tlone to those in the vvay ' ; i. e. before he can get clear of the
crovvd r.fter having becor.ie bail at the court.
.34. Ante se undam : sc. horam ; ' before eight,'
.35. Puteal: the prcetor's court was there.
38. Cura: ' be so kind as to causc ' M;ecenas to si^n th?ee
papers.
39. Dixeris-: sc. si ; 'ifyou say ' ; for, 'iflsay.'
49. Dnntaxat ad hoc: ' at least so far as this.'
44. Thrn.v . . . par : « ia the Thracian gladiator a mat< h for
the Syrian ? '
31
3G2 NOTES.
48. JVoster : sc. Horatius. — Und : ' with Mseeenas.'
49. Omnes : sc. dicunt.
55. Si quidquam : sc. audivi. — Triquelra : ' in Sicily.'
59. Misero .• sc. mihi.
63. Pythagorce cognata ■' Pythagoras imagined there was a
resemblance between the nature of the human body and that of
a bean. He therefore forbade his followers to eat beans ; lest
tliey should eat likewise some of their relations, who, in the
changes of transmigration, might have become beans.
65. Meique : ' and my friends.'
67. Libatis dapibus : i. e. on what may be left after I have
dined. A portion was iirst ofTered in libation to the house-
hold gods.
72. Lepos : he was a celebrated dancer.
75. Usus rectumne : ' utility or virtue.'
87. Tangentis male : ' scarcely deigning to touch.'
88. Pater ipse domiis .- i. e. the mouse which gave the enter-
tainment.
94. Sortiia : l inheriting- from nature.'
103. Canderet: 'glittered.' s
108. VcrnaHter : 'like an attentive servant.'
SATIRE VII.
The design of the Saturnalia was to represent that equality
tliat existed among mankind in the primitive ages, under the
reign of Saturn. Hence during this eelebration slaves were
allowed great freedom, and would, and could with impunity, say
what they pleased. Horace. in this satire, introduces his slttve
Davus as taking advantage of this season of licensed equality
to tell him of his faults. Davus maintains that the wise man
alone is free, who is not held in bondage by any vice, or a slave
to any passion. His reasoning is so just, and the truth is
pressed home so closely, that Horace, unable to answer, or to
bear it any longer, stops him by threats.
4. Ut vitale putes : ' so that you need not think me short-
lived.' There was a vulgar prejudice prevailing, which con-
tinues even to the present day, fchat a person pre-eminent for
o-ifts and virtues was not long tbr tliis life. Davus thought he
was not so remarkably good as to give any apprehension of this
kind.
6. Et urget propositum ; ' and persevere in tiieir wicke i
course.'
10. Clavum : ' his dress.'
14. Veriumnis . . . iniquis : i. e. :;orn under the frowns
Virturnnus. He presided over the chnnges of the year and of
the visible creation, and was reptfesented under various fonns :
hence used in the plural.
35. Jucta : i. e. which he Ir.id brought upon himself.
SATIRES. BOOK II. 363
17. Mercede . . . pavit: ' he kept a man on day wages.'
19. Ac prior . . . lahorat : k and more tolerable than the for-
mer (Priscus), who struggles now with astraight, and now with
a lax cord ' ; i. e. who sometimes struggles with his passions
and sometimes yields to their violence.
"26. Romaz : ' when at Rome.'
34. Oleum : 'essence,' 'perfume.'
36. Miivius et scurrai : who came expecting to sup witb
him.
37. Dixerit ille : ' some one will say.'
38. Nasum nidore supinor : ' raise my nose at a savoury
smell.'
50. Minor : ' subject to.' — Vindicia : the rod with which the
pra.tor touched the head of those who received their freedom.
The prsetor might make the body free ; butwisdom alone could
free the mind.
53. Sive vicarius : the head slave was called alriensis ; the
others, who were under him, vicarii.
59. Responsare : ' to resist ' ; i. e. has courage to oppose.
60. Teres atque rotundus : ' smooth and round.'
61. Per leve : ' on account of its smoothness ' ; a figure taken
from a globe.
65. Gelidd : sc. aqud. ~
69. Paxisiaca : Pausias was a celebrated painter.
70. Fulvi : Fulvius, Rutuba, and Placideianus were gladia-
tors, whose combats were sketched in a rude manner upon the
places where they exercised.
74. JYequam . . . audis > 'Iam considered a knave and a loi-
terer ; but you are called a connoisseur, and a fine judge of
ancient works of art.' — Audis : 'youhear' yourself called.
76. Nil ego : ' I pass for nothing.'
84. Strigili: by Hypallage, for mutat strigiiem furtivum uvd.
92. Opera . . . nona : for operarius nonus ; i. e. or you shall
be sent, the ninth slave, to work on my Sabine farm. Horace
had eight there already.
SATIRE VIII.
Nasidienus, an ostentatious, but miserly knight, gave an en-
tertainment to Msecenas, of which this satire contains a hu-
mourous account, related by Fundanius one of the guests.
2. Nam . . . die : 'for when I sent requesting your company
at my table, you were said to be there drinking from noon.'
When the Romans wished to indulge longer at table than usual,
they dined at an earlier hour than usual.
6. Leni . . . Austro : if taken in Austrofervente, the flesh soon
became rancid ; if in leni Austro, it would be tender.
14. Procedit : Hydaspes brings forward the wine with the
eame slow and stately step that a Grecian girl bears the sa-
cred ensigns of Ceres,
SG4 NOTES.
15. Alcon : sc. sequitur ferens.
20. Sumnws ego .• the table was in the form of a semicircle.
Around the circular part of it were placed three couches, on
each of which were placed three persons. On the first were
Fundanius, Viscus, and Varius. On the second or middle one,
which was the place of honour, were Meecenas and his two
friends that he brought with bim, umbrce, Vibidina and Balatro.
On the third were Nomentanus, the iiost Nasidienus ipse, and
Porcius. There was a passage for tlie attendants between each
two of the couches.
23. Umbras : persons not invited by the host, but coming
with a guest, were called unibrm.,
28. Dissimilem noto : ' unlike what was common to them.'
29. Passeris : ' of a flounder.'
30. Ingvstata : ' such as had never been tasted.'
32. Ab ipso . . . mtliiis : ' you will learn best from him.'
34. Damnose : i. e. unless we drink this eternal talker dumb.
39. Invertuni . . . iota : ' empty whole jars of wine into Alli-
phanian cups. — Mliphanis: sc. poculis : made at AUlphce.
40. Imi: the host and his two parasites were on the lowest
couch. They spared the bottles on their side.
46. Garo . . . Iberi: ' and witli the pickle of Spanish macke-
rel, and with wine of this country, five years old, poured in
when the sauce was boiling.'
48. Cocio : ' when boiled ' — Chium vinum sic convenit illi
cocio, ut non ullum aliud mag)s hoc.
50. Vitio : being- changed to vinegar. — Uvam for vinum.
54. Aulcea : the curtains, or canopy over tbe table.
58. Rufus : the surname of Nasidienus.
64. Suspendens omnia naso: ' making a joke of the whole.'
67. Tcne: sc. num ccquum est? addressed to Nasidienus.
72. Agaso : ' a groom,' implying that Nasidienus had taken
his grooms from the stable to attend at dinner. His speech is
a satire upon the dinner. The bread was burnt ; the sauce
badly made ; and the servants taken from the barn.
77. Soleas : the slippers were put off on reclining at table.
82. Non dentur : the servants were slow in furnishing thc
wine.
83. Ficiis rerum : 'on feigned pretences,' not to offend their
host.
91. Sine clune: tbese ringddves were probably bought cheap ;
since the rumps, tbe rnost delicate part, were so tainted as to
be unfit for the tabie.
EPISTLES. BOOK I. 3515
0
EPISTLES.
BOOK I.
EPISTLE I.
This epistle is addressed to Msecenas who, it would seem,
had been urging our poet to resume his lyre, nnd to produce
more odes. The substancc of his reply is, that he had become
too old to indulge any longer in these trifles ; that ihe study of
philosophy, of truth, and of duty, was more becoming his years,
and better suited to his taste. H.e likewise intimates that he
had aiready gained some reputation as a lyric poet, which it
was not worth his while to risk by any further eiTorts in tiiis
way.
1. Primd . . . litdo : the con truqiion is, O M^cenas, dicte mi~
ki primd et dicende summd ( nd, quctris includere iterum, in
anliquo ludo me, safis speclaUum, etjam donatum rude.
2. Donatuni jam rude : ' already horiourably dir.charged/
When gladiators had for a long time acquitted themselves hon-
ourably, they were presented with the rudis, a kind of rod,
and excused from further perfprmanee in piiblic.
4. Vejanius : he was a famous gladiator, who had obtained a
discharge, and retired into the country to avoid further expo-
sure to danger on the arena.
6. Exoret: ' ask for his life,' which depended on the will of
the spectators.
32. Est quddam prodire tenus .• 'itis lawful to go to a certain
cxtent.'
44. Devites : ' you trjr to escape.'
48. MelioA credere : ' to hearken to one wiser than yourself.'
59. Plebs : ' a j:le')eian.'
65. Qui .■ sc. suadeL
77. Conducere publica : ' to form a part of the public reve-
nue.'
78. Crustis . . . avaras : ' by little favours would gain over
c-ovetous widows.'
86. Cras . . . fobri .- ' workmen, you will carry your buildini;
materials to Thednum? This was a beautiful city of Campania.
37. Lectus . . . esi : i. e. is he married.
91. Quid pauper? : ' how is it with the poor man ? '
101. Insanire . . . me : 'you think me affected with the cur-
rent madness.'
31*
366 NOTES.
EPISTLE II.
Horace, having in his retirement read Homer with unusual
care and attention, writes to his friend Lollius at Rome his re-
flections on this great poet. He avails himself of the occasion,
while speaking of the morals contained in the poem, to set
forth the worth and importance of wisdom and virtue.
2. Declamas : i. e. dicendi arte exerceris.
7. Barbarice .- i. e. for Helen, a foreigner.
31. Jid strepitum . . . curam : ' and by the sound of the harp
to lull their cares to sleep.' Cessatum, for which there are va-
rious readings, is a supine : cessatum duccre, 'to sooth, to put to
rest.'
34. Curres hydropicus • 'you will run when seized with the
dropsy.' Running was prescribed for the dropsy by Celsus and
others.
EPISTLE III.
In the year of Rome 731 Tiberius was sent witli an army
into Dalmatia. Julius Florus, to whom this epistle is addressed,
attended him in this expedition. Tiberius continued regnlating
j.fFairs in the East, till he was ordered by Augustus into Arme-
nia. It was at this time that Horace wrote this epistle to Flo-
rus, describing the route of Tiberius through Thrace, and re-
questing to be informed on various subjects of public and pri-
vate nature. He also advises Florus to be on good terms with
Munatius, between whom thcre had been some misunderstand-
ing.
12. Utvalet?: 'Ishe well?'
13. Auspice Musct : ' with the aid of the Muses.'
17. Scripta . . . JipoUo : i. e. the writings deposited in the li-
brary in the teraple dedicated to Apollo on mount Palatine.
30. Si libi . . . Munatius : ' if you have as much regard for
Munatius, as you ought to have.'
EPISTLE IV.
The poet Tibuilus, to whom this ode was addressed, was a
Pcoman knight bf fortunc, taste, and elegance. He espoused
the cause of libertv vvith Brutus, and had suffered in his estate
in consequence ; as his lands were among those confiseated.
Fonr books of elegies are all thnt remain of his works. These
for swectness and pathos are hardly surpassed by any thing in
the language.
3. CossiParmensis : ' Cassius of Parma.' He valued liimself
on the fertility of his genius ; and regarded the number of verses
he could write in a given time, rather than their excellence.
This is raillery in liorace.
f
EPISTLES. BOOK I. 367
13. Supremwn : the Epicureans ineulcated this maxim, that
every day was to be enjoyed as if it were the last. Then, if
another were given, it would be considered a gratuity, and be
the more gratefully received.
•
EPISTLE V.
In this epistle Horace invites Torquatus to sup with him on
Csesar's birthday. He promises a homely entertainment, but a
hearty welcome.
1. Jirchiacis . . . lectis : there was one Archias, well known as
the manufacturer of the cheaper kind of beds. They were
shorter than the more costly kinds.
9. Moschi •• Moschus was an orator of Pergamus, whose de-
fence Torquatus had undertaken against a charge of poisoning
some one.
25. Eliminet: for evulget, effutiat.
28. Umbris : 'uninvited guests.'
29. Olidce . . . caprce : i. e. a strong scent.
EPISTLE VI.
In this epistle Horace shows to his friend Numicius the folly
of extravagant and ill-timed admiration. He shows that hap-
piness does not consist in a love of the marvellous ; or in the
indulgence of a taste for novelty ; but in a virtuous life, and
a mind elevated above the influence of admiration or sur-
prise.
7. Ludicra quid •• i. e. what do you think of public shows, of
applauses, and of the honours conferred by the Roman people ?
in what manner are thev to be regarded ? with what feelino-
and look, do you think ?
15. JEquus iniqui : sc. Vir ccquus ferat nomen inqui.
22. Mutus : " homo ignobilis, uxoris dote dives factus, qui-
cunque demum fuerit." Doer. One of no rank or eloquence,
and who has not risen by his own talents or industry, but by
his wife's fortune.
31. Virtutem verba pnies : ' do you think virtue consists mere-
ly of words ? '
51. Trans pondera : i. e. wlio may remind you to extend your
hand in salutation across the loaded wagons, &c. in the crowd-
ed streets.
61. Crudi tumidique : ' with stomachs full and overloaded.'
62. Cttrite serd: the inhabitants of Gcre, having been ad-
mitted to all the privilejres of Roman citizens, forfeited thern
by a revolt. They afterwards submitted, and received the
rights of citizenship, except the right of voting, of which they
were deprived. When any one aftcrwards forfeited his right
of voting, he was said to be placed in the register of the
Carites.
368 NOTES.
EPISTLE VII.
On retiring into the country, Horace had promised his patron
that he would return in five days. But after spending the
whole month of August, he writes this epistle to Maacenas, by
way of apology for breaking hia engagement. The natural
and easy manner in wbich Horace excuses himself to his illus-
trious friend, shows that it is possible to enjoy the favour of the
great without sacrificing one's independence, or descending to
servility.
2. Sextilem: the Romans began their year in March, the
sixth month from which was called Sexillis. Afterwards it
took the name of Augustus, mensis Augustus ; as that before
it did of Julius Csesar, mensis Juli
6. Dcsignatorem : the person who had the care of marshal-
ling; funeral processions was called designator, ' the under-
taker.'
12. Contractus : 'snug in his apartment' hc will indulge in
reading. There are various glosses on this passage.
14. Calaber : i. e. any rustic host. Horace was himself a
Calabrian, and this -circumstance increases the humour of the
followino- dialogue.
21. HtBC se.ges : i. e. this profuse liberality.
23. Mra lupinis : ' coin from lupins.' In tbeatrical exhibi-
tions lupins were so done up as to resemble coins, and used in-
stead ofthem.
25. Reddes forte latus : i. e. you will restore my youthful
vigour, the black locks tbat shaded ny short fbrehead, iiic.
34. Satur altilium : ' when surfeited with dainties.'
52. Unde domo : i. e. Rcmanus an hospes ; qudmam ex /a-
milii.
56. Et properare •' i. e. knowing both when to hasten, and
when to relax ; when to gain, and when to enjoy the fruits of
his industy.
64. Vilia scrvta : these words mean old clothes, old iron, and
any trash of this kind.
67. Qitod non . . . eum : i. e. that he had not seen him first.
53. Siilcos . . . mera : ' he talks of nothing but furrows and
rineyards.' — Jlcra: 'solely,' 'only.'*
EPISTLE VIII. '
This epistle is addressed to Celsus Albinovanus, the secreta-
ry of Tiherius, who is mentioned Book I. Ep. III. 15. Horaci?
describes himself as labouring under hypochondriac affec-
tions, inconstant, cnntradictory, and unreasonable.
1. Cetso . . . Neronis : the construction is, O Musa rogata,
refer Celso Jllbinovano, comiti scribo:que JVeronis, gaudere et ge-
EPISTLES. BOOK I. 359
rere rem benk. This is an imitation of the Greek form of saluta-
tion, x,ulouv xxi ih-roi.rTuv : ' give joy and success.'
3. Minardem: ' promising,' 'intending.'
12. Vcntosus : ' inconstant,' 'changeful.'
13. Rem gerat : ut scriba apud JYcrowm.
14. Ut placeat juveni: ' hovv he stands with the youthful
prinee,' Tiberius Claudius Nero. — Cohorti: ' to the courtiers/
about the prince.
EPISTLE IX.
This is a letter of introduction and commendation toTiberius
Claudius Noro in behalf of SeptimiuS, the poet's particular
friend. The great delicacy necessary on such an occasion is
manifestly felt by Horace, who pleads the importunity of his
friend, as an excuse for what he does, with modesty and seem-
ing reluctance.
1. Septimius . . . facias .- ' O Claudius, Septimius alone for-
sooth knovvs Jiow high I stand in your esteem.'
6. Quifl . . .ipso: he sees an.d understands how much influ-
ence I have vvith you much better than I do myself.
10. Sic tgo . . . pra-mia-. ' so I, to avoirl the appearance ofa
greater crime (unwillingness to serve a friend), have taken up-
on myself a little modest assurance.' Desccndi expresses his
unwillingness, and that he did not at first intend to do it.
EPISTLE X.
There are few persons insensible to the pleasures of the
country. In Horace this feelrng became a kind of passion ;
and tbe praises he bestows in this epistle on a counlry life and'
on contenttnent vvith one's lot, are pleasing and instructive.
5. Vttuli : 8C. ul ; i. e. as a piir of steers, or of doves.
10. Sacerdotis fugitivus : the priest's slave,tired of the cakes
and delicacies offered at the altar, runs avvay from his master
that he may get a little common bread. So our poet would re-
treat from the luxuries and artificial pleasures of the city to the-
simple and natural enjoyments of the country.
24. Erpdles furcd : ' you drive with violence ' ; with a pitch-
fork ; this is afigure dravvn from rustic employments.
31. Pones invitus .- ' you will resi^n with reluctance.'
33. Rcges . . . amicos : ' may enjoy life better than kings and
the favourites of kings.'
49. Fanum putrt Vacuna .- Vacuna was the goddess of ease
and leisure, and had an old ternple in the Sabine conntry, not
far from Horace's country seat.— Putre : vetustatt obsoletum.
50. Excepto : sc. eo ; ' except this ' that you are absent,
370 NOTES.
EPISTLE XI.
It is not known who Bullatius was, to whoin this letter was
addressed. But he is supposed to have retired to Asia when
the last quarrel was breaking out between Augustus and An-
tony, that he might not again behold the horrors of a civil war.
When it was ended, our poet invites him to return to Rome ;
and gives such excellent maxims as might be useful to a person
too much inclined to despondency. Sanadon.
1. Quid . . . Lesbos : ' how does Chios appear to you, and
famed Lesbos, O Bullatius ? '
5. Mtalicis una: 'one of the cities ruled by Attalus.'
7. Desertior . . . vicus ; sc. nunc ; i. e. though now but a de-
serted village ; it was once a very celebrated city.
17. lncolumi . . . solstitio : ' to a sound mind Rhodes nnd fair
Mitylene are about the same, as a great coat in summer.'
21. Romcc: i. e. when you are at Rome, let Samos, Chioe,
and Rhodes be praised.
25. JsTam si . . . aufert .; ' for if reason and prudence only, and
no situation, however commanding its prospect over the ex-
panded ocean, can dispel our cares.'
EPISTLE XII.
This epistle is addressed to the same person to whom Horace
addressed the XXIVth Ode of the Ist Book. He there rallies
Iccius with some humour on turning soldier, and abandoning his
literary and philosophical pursuits. He now ridicules his love
of money, blended with philosophical pursuits.
7. In medio positorum : ' in the midst of abundance spread
out before you.'
12. Miramursi: i. e. can we wonder that the fields and
crops of Democritus became the prey of flocks, while his mind
was searching for the hidden causes of things ; when you,
amidst so corrupt an age, where the love of gain spreads like
a contagion, withdraw your mind from all low inquiries, and
employ yourself in the sublime study of nature ? This is pro-
bably irony, for the poet's amusement.
EPISTLE XIII.
It seems our poet had intrpsted several rolls of his writings^
volumina, to his friend Vinius Asella, to be carried to Augus-
tus. But he was anxious that they should be presented at a
proper time, when he might be unemployed by more weighty
concerns ; and that they should not, through too much zeal on
the part of his friend, be urged upon the emperour at an un-
seasonable time or place.
2. Signata : he wished them to be delivered sealed, that they
EPISTLES. BOOK I. 371
might not be the subject of impertinent curiosity to the cour-
tiers.
8. Asincc : Horace hnmourously reminds Asella not to stum-
ble awkwardly with them into Csesar's presence, lest the cour-
tiers should make a joke of him, and of his sirname, which sig-
nified a little ass.
12. Sub ald : ' under your arm.'
14. Ut . . . lanaz : ' as drunken Pvrrhia carries her bottoms of
«tolen yarn.' A character in a comedy by Titinnius.
EPISTLE XIV.
This epistle is addressed by Horace to his steward in the
country, showing him the folly of preferring a life in the city
to one in the country. He says this preference arises from in-
constancy of inind, and a love of change.
2. Quem . . . patres : ' which, though you despise it, was for-
merly possessed by five families, and was wont to send five
good senators to Varia.' This estate was within the jurisdic-
tion of Varia, where the most respectable commoners convened
to consult on public affairs.
10. Ego : sc. dico. *
14. Tu mediastinus : ' you when a slave of the lowest rank.*
28. Disjunctum : ' when unyoked.'
33. Sed . . . ludum : ' but not to set bounds to indulgence.'
41. Calo : this means a slave of the lowest order, that is em-
plpyed in bring-ing- wood and water, and performing other simi-
lar offices in a family.
EPISTLE XV.
Antonius Musa, physician to Augustus, had recommended
the cold bath to Horace, who practised cold bathing in Clusiura
and Gabii. But findins: the winter too severe, he resolved to
go to some warmer climate and try sea-bathing. For this rea-
son he writes to his friend Numonius Vala, who had been using
the baths at Velia and balernum, to give him some account of
the climate, people, accominodations, &c. The beginning of
this epistle is very much transposed and confused. We must
look as far as the twenty-fouith verse before we can get the
natural arrangement of the thoughts.
1. Quce sit kiems : before taking in this, it seems necessary
to bring in the twenty-fourth verse : Par est te scribere, ac
nos accrcdere tibi. quce sit hiemg Velics ; i. e. you must write to
me, Vala, what kind of winter you have at Velia, and what the
climate of ^alernurn ; wliat is the cbaracter of the inhabitants,
and how the roads are ; for Antonius Musa assures me that the
waters of Baiae are useless to me.
3. lllis : i. e. to the people at Baise.
372 NOTES.
5. Sank myrleta . . . coniemni : ' that their myrtle groves and
eulphur baths should be neglected, so long famed for driving
away maladies settling on the nerves.'
21. Tractus uter : i. e. vtra regio, Velicene an Sakrni?
23. Pinguis . . . Phaeax : a fat Phoeacian ; i. e. similis Alci-
noo, luxurioso regi Phaacum.
35. Nepotum : ' gluttons.'
39. Bona r ' their estates.'
EPISTLE XVI.
We may suppose that Quinctius had rallied Horace on the
extent and lnngnifieence of his country-seat, that had charms
sufficient to detain him so long from Rome. The poet, after
giving a description of his residenee, falls into some moral re-
flections which may have a bearing on the character of Quinc-
tius, and be an oftset to what he had before written to liorace.
1. Ne perconteris . . . ulmo : ' that you may not have the
trouble of inquiring, most excellent Quinctius, whether my
farm supplies its owner with grnin, or enriches him with olives,
fruits, pasturagc, or vines covering the elms.5
4. Loquaciter : * afc-full length.'
14. Infirmo . . . alvo : ' and excellent for disorders of tha
hea:d and the stomach.'
17. Quod audis : ' what you have the reputation of heing.'
19. Sed vereor . . . beatum r ' but I fear thatyou rely more on
the judgment of others about yourself, than you rio on your
own'; and that you think a man may be happy without being
wise and good.'
41. ConsuUa patrum : 'the decrees of the senate.'
49. Renuit negat atque Sabellvs : ' that I object to and deny.'
Horace pleasantiy styles himseif SabelLus, inasmuch as country
people alluw their slaves to take greater liberty than they have
in the city. The situation of atque after negai is unusual and
foiced ; and it has given occasion to various conjectures.
60. Labra movtt : i. e. after addressing Janus or Apollo with
a loud voice, he whispers his prayer to Laverna, feanng some
one else will hear him. Lavema was the protectiess of thieve*
and imposters.
EPISTLE XVII.
Ilorace gives his young friend Pcseva some instructiona re-
apecting his con«iuct at court ; that he may preserve his integ-
rity, and pass witli honour and happiness tiiroufjh that scene of
danger and temptation. iie shovvs that an active life, the Hfe
of a man determined to deserve and secure the favour and es-
teem of the great by his own merit, is infinite.y more honour-
able than a life spent in indolence, without emulation or am-
bition. He caution9 him against asking fuvours.
EPISTLES. BOOK I. 373
10. Fefellit : sc. lucem publicam ; i. e. latuit in obscuro.
\l. Jicctdes siccus ad unctum: i. e. you will make your court
to thc great.
14. Si sciret . . . notat : 'if he (Diogenes), who censures me,
knew how to ingratiate himself with kings, he would despise
his plate of pot-herbs.'
19. Scurror . . . mihi : ' I play the buffoon for my own inte-
rest,' i. e. to the great.
21. Officium facio .- ' I make my court.'
36. JVon cuivis . . . Corinihum .• this is an old proverb ; mean-
ing that the rich only could bear the expense of visiting
Corinth.
44. Plus poscente ferent : ' shall obtain more than one who
demands.'
59. Planum : ' a vagrant,' that had before practised imposi-
tion.
62. Quccre peregrinum : ' ask one who does not know you.'
EPISTLE XVIII.
This epistle contains the advice of Horace to Lollius, a young
gentleman in whose happiness our poet took much interest, and
who was yet inexperienced in the wiles and temptations of a
courtier's life. He had already written one letter to him to
guard him against some mistakes that might be fatal to his
virtue.
10. Imi derisor lecti : the jesters and buffoons usually took
the lowest of the three couches at table.
11. Horret: ' regards,' ' observes.'
15. Rixatur . . . caprind : this is an old proverb, meaning ' to
wrangle about trifles.'
16. Scilicet . . . sordet: i. e. forsooth, may T not be believed
first ? and may I not speak my mind without restraint ? I
would disdain life on other conditions.
24. Dives . . . horret : ' his rich friend, though ten times more
deep in vice, hates and despises him.'
27. Plus . . . vult : ' wishes him to be more wise and more
virtuous than he is himself.'
36. Thrax: i. e. he will turn gladiator, or he will be hired
to drive some gardener's horse to market loaded with herbs.
40. llle : i. e. dives amicus.
42. Donec . . . lyra : ' until the lyre of Amphion, hated by
his austere brother, was abandoned.' See Class. Dict.
56. Sub duce .• sc. Augusto.
58. Ac, ne . . . abstes .- i. e. that you may not seem to withdraw
yourself, and stand aloof unjustifiably.
63. Lacus, Hadria : ' a pond served for the Hadriatic'
78. Theonino : Theon was a slanderous fellow.
82. Dulcis . . . amici : ' the possession of a powerful friend
seems desirable to one who has never made the trial.'
32
374 NOTES.
100. Gelidus Digentia . . . bibit t ' the cool streara Digentia,
which flows through Mandela.'
EPISTLE XIX.
This epistle is a satire on the poets of our author's time,
who, under pretence that Bacchus was the god of poetry, and
that the best ancient bards loved wine, imagined they might
equal their merit by drinking as freely. Horace laughs at
such ridiculous imitation, and rallies the methodical dulness of
their compositions. Dacier.
1. Cratino : Cratinus was excessively fond of wine ; so much
so, that Aristophanes says, he died of grief at seeing a hogshead
broken and the wine running out.
5. Ferl : i. e. plerumque.
8. Forum . . . severis : ' let the Forum and the prastor's
court, established by Libo, be the lot of the sober ; but I forbid
them to attempt poetry ' ; i. e. let serious business be performed
by the temperate. The prsetor's court was near the puteal.
This we understand to be the decree of Bacchus.
15. Rupit larbitam : the poet means to say that Iarbita
burst with envy and vexation in attempting to rival the wit and
eloquence of Timagenes the rhetorician.
18. Cuminum : Dioscorldes says that cumin will make per-
sons pale who wash in, or drink, a decoction of it.
23. Parios : called Parian from Paros, the country of Archi-
lochus, the inventor of iambic verse.
30. Socerum : sc. ut Archilochus Lycamben oblevit.
31. Sponsce •• see Epode VI. 13. note.
36. Premat extra limen : ' abuses them abroad.'
40. Pulpita : this refers to the stage, on which teachers
(grammaticcB tribus) caused their pupils to recite the poems of
such writers as they were pleased with, or wished to bring into
notice. Horace says he did not court their favour, and they
resented it by slighting his writings.
43. Jiit : sc. aliquis e tribu grammaticd.
44. Fidis enim .- ' for you suppose.'
47. Displicet . . . posco : ' I do not like the place of contest, I
ask for a truce.' Horace pretends very modestly to ask for
time to correct his verses, before they were brought before the
public on the stage.
EPISTLE XX.
When about to publish a volume of his poetry, Horace pre-
fixes this little address to his book, in which he warns it of the
ill treatment it must expect on going out into the world. He
pleasantly adds some peculiarities of his own character.
1. Vertumnum : the booksellers' shops vvere situated around
EPISTLES. BOOK II. 375
the statues of Vertumnus and Janus ; hence he says, * you seem
to have your eye on Vertumnus and Janus.'
2. Sosiorum: the Sosii were two brothers, the most cele-
brated bookbinders and booksellers of their time. — Pumice : the
parchment was smoothed ' with pumice-stone.'
8. Plenos . . . amator: ' when weary of reading you, though
so partial an admirer.'
9. Qubd si . . . cetas t ' but if I am not blinded by my indig-
nation at your folly, you will please at Rome while you are a
novelty.'
13. Uticam : when a work had run out at Rome, the booksel-
lers sent it offinto the provinces. — llerdam .- this was in Spain :
Utlca was in Africa.
23. Urbis: ofRome.
24. Solibus aptum : ' fond of basking in the sun.'
BOOK II.
EPISTLE I.
Augustus had complained that Horace had not addressed any
of his satires or epistles to him. In this beautiful and finished
epistle the poet makes ample amends for his former remissness.
In the first part of it he examines the comparison between the
ancients and the moderns, which has been matter of dispute in
all ages. He next shows the folly of that excessive love of an-
tiquity, which regarded the time of any performance rather
than its merits. In the third place he treats of the theatre,
and of the difficulty of succeeding there. And finally he would
remind princes how important it is for them to encourage a
spirit of emulation for epic poetry, by which their own achieve-
ments may be celebrated.
10. Qui : Hercules slew the hydra of Lerna.
13. Artes : for artifices ; one eminent in any department de-
presses, by his fame, those who are inferiour to him.
23. Sicfautor veterum .- the idea is, so extravagantly do the
people admire the works of antiquity, that they would say, the
Muses themselves uttered, on mount Alba, the laws of the
Twelve Tables, the treaty with the Gabii, &c. These were
among the first productions of the Romans, and certainly not
to be considered as models in composition.
28. Si, quia . . . loquamur .- ' if, because the most ancient
376 NOTES.
works of the Greeks are the best, vve are to weigh Roman
writers in the same balance, it is in vain to say any thing far-
ther.'
31. JVil: i. e. we might as well say that there is nothing
hard within an olive, or on the outside of a nut.
35. Scire .... annus r ' I desire to know what number of
years may establish a value to writings.'
38. Excludat . . .Jinis : 'the established number of years (to
constitute antiquity) removes all doubt.' This is the answer to
Horace's question, and the beginning of a dialogue full of
pleasantry.
45. Utor permisso : 'I avail myself of your concession.'
48. Qui . .fastos : ' who has recourse to the calendar.'
56. Actius alti : ' Actius has the reputation of a sublime po-
et.'
72. Et exactis . . . distantia : l and littLe removed from perfec-
tion.'
86. Saliare JVumce carmen : ' Numa's hymn for the Salii.'
When Numa instituted the order of Salii, he composed a
form of prayer or praise for them.
103. Reclusd mane . . . nummos : ' the house being open at
daybreak, to wait and-explain the Iaws to clients, and to en-
quire out the best securities for money.'
115. Didicit : sc. medicince artem.
123. Pane secundo t ' brown bread,' of a secondary quality.
125. Si das hoc : ' if you allow this.'
132. Puella : referring to the virgins, who sung the Carmen
Saculare with a choir of boys.
178. Exanimat lentus spectator : ' a listless spectator de-
presses.'
185. Si discordet eques : ' if the knights disagree with them ' ;
i. e. if they oppose their freaks at the theatre.
187. Verum . . .jam : ' but even for the knights now.'
189. Quatuor . . . horas ■ ' the curtain falls for four hours or
more.' At the commencement of the play the Romans let fall
the curtain to expose the stage, instead of raisirg it up, as we
do. The play was interrupted in this case, and the stage kept
open to view for the exhibition of some show, for several
hours. Horace complains of this abuse.
-193. Ebur : i. e. cut out in figures of ivory.
199. Scriptores . . . surdo : 'he would think the writers of the
comedy employed in telling a story to a deaf ass.'
209. Laudare maligne : ' condemn by faint praise.'
210. llle . . . poeta i ' that poet appears to me able to walk
upon a tight rope ' ; i. e. able to do any thing.
230. JEdituos : ' heralds,' to proclaim or record.
269. ln vicum vendentem : ' into the street where they sell.'
EPISTLES. BOOK II. 377
EPISTLE II.
Julius Florus, to whom this epistle is addressed, was, at the
time it was written, absent with Tiberius Nero. Horaee gives
his reasons for not having complied with the roquest of Florus
that he would send him some lyric poems. He tells him that
he wished to devote himself to the study of philosophy. And
throughout the epistle he intersperses many excellent precepts
for the regulation of the conduct, and for securing a good
and happy life. He commences with a lively and amusing
account of a slave-dealer, as an example of the verbosity and
knavery of that class of men.
14. Semel hic cessavit : ' he was once in fault ; and hid him-
self behind the stairs for fear of the whip, as was natural
enough.' Doering prefers this construction to pendentis in
scalis, the usual one. The seller uses the word cessavit for
aufugit ; to soften the crime of running away, which was con-
sidered so important a defect in the character of a slave, that
the sale was made void by law, if this was not mentioned to the
purchaser.
17. Pcence securus : ' fearless of any punishment,' for the
fraud he committed ; as the law could not reach him, after he
had mentioned the fact that the slave had run away.
23. Quid . . . attentas : * what then have I gained by my con-
cession, if nevertheless, you impeach the laws protecting me.' —
Mecum facientia .- i. e. rae adjuvantia. Jaeck.
28. Vehemens lupus : sc. ut ; ' like a raging wolf.'
48. JYon responsura lacertis 1 ' unable to cope with the arms,'
or forces, of Augustus Cassar.
52. Sed quod . . . versus : i. e. but now possessing every thing
that I wish, what doses of hellebore could cure my madness,
if I did not think it better to sleep quietly than to attempt
writing poetry again ?
60. Bioneis sermonibus t i. e. witli such keen satire as Bion of
Borysthenes is said to have written.
81. lngcnium : ' a man of genius.'
87. Frater . . . ille : the poet passes suddenly to another top-
ic ; that of the mutual commendation and praise of certain
poets. He says there were at Rome two friends, the one a
rhetorician, and the other a lawyer, who agreed to extol each
other. The lawyer made the rhetoriciah a second Gracchus ;
and he in turn called him another Mucius. Mucius was a cele-
brated writer upon the civil law. Frater seems to be used for
friend.
98. Lento . . . duello : ' like gladiators in a slow, harmless
contest till evening twilight.' Samnites is the name of a class
of gladiators.
119. Adsciscet . . . usus : ' he will introduce such words as
use, the father of language, has produced.'
378 NOTES.
128. Quam sapere, et ringi : ' than to be wise, and always on
the rack.'
134. Et signo . . . lagencs : ' and did not fly into a passion at
finding the bottle unsealed.'
166. Quid refert . . . olim : ' for where is the difference, whe-
ther you live on money recently spent, or spent some time ago ? '
J92. Qubd . . . invenerit : ' because he shall find nothing more
than was orirginally given to me ' ; i. e. because I have not in-
creased my estate.'
204. Extremi . . . priores : l if behind the first, yet before the
last.'
THE ART OF POETRY.
These remarks upon the art of poetry were probably de-
eigned as the third epistle of the second book, and addressed
to Lucius Piso and his two sons. Horace did not pretend to
give a complete treatise upon the art of poetry ; but to throw
out such hints upon the leading topics of the subject, as the na-
ture of an epistle would allow. He has therefore observed no
particular method or order in discussing the subject ; nor been
at the trouble of making any preamble. He begins at once
with the most essential, necessary, and important precept, which
is unity and simplicity of design.
1. Humano . . . rrtembris : ' should a painter undertake to
join a mare's neck to a human head, and, uniting limbs
from various animals, to cover the whole with partycoloured
feathers.'
5. Spectatum : ' to view it ' ; a supine.
15. Purpureus . . . pannus .« ' here and there a purple patch
is sewed on, which makes a great show.'
18. Flumen Rhenum : the poets often decline substantives as
if they were adjectives ; as Rhenus, -a, -um ; so Ovid has Caput
Augustum, Quirinam urbem, and Horace Metaurum Jlumen,
Romulam gentem.
20. Quid hoc . . . pingitur : i. e. how will this satisfy the
man who hires you to paint him shipwrecked, and floating
hopeless on the broken planks ofthe vessel?
21. Amphora . . . exit : i. e. a bad poet opens his poem with
something great and magnificent, but amuses himself with
trifles ; as a bad potter begins a large and beautiful vase, but
produces only a worthless pitcher. San.
32. JEmelium . . . imus : ' the meanest artist in the iEmilian
square.' This place was called afler iEmilius Lepldus, who
formerly had a school for gladiators tbere. In later times Po-
lycletus, the statuary, had his rooms there.
THE ART OF POETRY. 379
34. lnfelix . . . nesciet : ' but he will be unsuccessful in com-
pleting the statue, because he carmot give just proportions to
the whole.'
35. Hunc ego . . . capillo : ' if I were about to attempt a work
of art, I should no more wish to imitate such a one, than to ap-
pear in public, remarkable for fine black hair and eyes, but
disfigured by a defective nose.'
42. Fenus. 'beauty.'
45. In verbis . . . auctor : these two verses have very properly
exchanged places, of late years. According to the judgment
of Dr. "Bentley they should stand as they do here. The con-
struction is, Auctor promissi carminis, etiam in serendis verbis
tenuis (subtilis) cautusque, amet hoc, et spernat hoc ; i. e. delicate
and careful in selecting words, must adopt this, and reject that.
47. Dixeris egregie . . . novum : ' you will gain great praise,
if by a skilful union you render new, what was knownbefore ' ;
i. e. make a new word out of two old ones.
50. Fingere . . . continget : ' it will be allowable to coin words
not known to the ancient Cethegi.' — Cinctutis : this means,.
' girded ready for action,' as the aneient Romans were. The
Cethegi are used for .people of their time.
59. Signatum pmsente notd : ' impressed with the current
stamp ' ; comparing words to coin, which bore the stamp of the
reigning prince.
•65. Regis opus : ' the work of a king ' ; i. e. the making of
a harbour to protect the fleets.
66. Urbes alit : being drained, ' it supplies the neighbouring
cities.'
69. Vivax: 'lasting,' 'permanent.'
91. Cazna Thyesta : i. e. a tragedy. See Class. Dict.
120, Reponis : ' represent,' or describe.
136. Ut scriptor cyclicus : ' like that trifling, vain poet of olcl
178. Semper . . . aptis : ' we must always have regard to»
what is connected with, and suited to the age, of the parties.'
189. Neve minor : i. e. neither less than five acts.
196. Ule : i. e. chorus ; the chorus is to supply all the
places mentioned in this and the five following verses.
220. Hircum : this was the prize.
237. Et audax . . . talentum: ' and the impudent Pythias, who-
spunged old Simo out of his money.' — Pythias was a maid ser-
vant in a play of Lucilius. — Emuncto .- ' cunningly overreached..,
254. Non ita pridem : ' nor is it long ago.' Spondees were
admitted in the odd places ; but an iambus was retained in the
even.
294. Prcesectum . . . unguem .- i. e. and which its author has
not corrected ten times. This is a figure borrowed from the
polishers of marble, who tried its smoothness by passing their
nails over it.
295. lngenium . . . Democritus i ' because Democritus con-
330 N0TES-
sidered genius superiour to art, and excludes every man in his
senses from Helicon.'
301. O ego . . . horam : ' foolish fellow that I was ! if I had
not by physic cured myself of the spleen in the spring.'
314. Conscripti : ' a senator.'
320. Nullius veneris : ' without grace or beauty.'
324. Pmter . . . avaris •. * desiring nothing but fame.'
340. Lamice : the Romans pretended that there was a fright-
ful sorceress of this name who devoured children. Horace,
no doubt, alludes to some poet who had introduced in a play
a child that had been devoured by this Lamia, and taken out
of her alive. — Pransce ; 'who had eatenit'; taken actively.
345. Hic . . . Sosiis : ' such a book brings gain to the Sosii ' :
they were bookbinders and booksellers. See Epist. I. XX. 2.
354. Ut scriptor . . . caret : ' as an amanuensis, who constant-
ly commits the same blunder, though cautioned against it, de-
serves no pardon.'
357. Choirilus : a miserable versifier.
372. Mediocribus . . . columna : ' neither gods, men, nor the
booksellers' shops, allow of mediocrity in poetry.' Columnce are
the pillars of the piazzas, under which the booksellers had their
shops.
383. Liber . . . nummorum : 'Iam free, well-born, and have
a knight's estate ' ; i. e. quadringenta vnllia ceris.
387°. Metii : Metius was one of the judges appointed to ex-
amine poetry, and the claims of authors. See Sat. I. X. 38.
388. Etpatris : ' and of your father ' ; i. e. Piso the elder.
414. Pythia: sc. carmina.
417. Occupet extremum scabies : ' a plague take the hindraost ' ;
a kind of adage.
437. Sub vulpe latentes : ' concealed under the guise ot a
fox ' ; alluding to the fable of the fox and the crow.
470. Utrum . . . incestus : ' whether he has profaned his father's
ashes, or sacrilegiously removed the bounds of some conse-
crated place.'
THE E>T1).
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