ODES OF HORACE The best of Lyrick Poets, Contayning much morallity, and sweetnesse.
Selected, and Translated by Sr: T: H: 1625
Imprinted at London by A: M: for Will: Lée and are to be sold at his shoppe in Fleet: street: at the signe of the Goolden Bucke
To the Reader.
FRiendly, and generous Reader) I present not Horace to thee, in his natiue lustre, nor Language. Take these rather (if so thou please) for a reflection, from that brighter body of his liuing Odes. Behold in them Moralitie touched, and Vertue heightned, with clearenesse of Spirit, and accuratenesse of Iudgement. These haue I selected amongst many, not with desire to prescribe the same choise to others, as a rule; nor yet with any diffidence in my own election. Abundat quis (que) suo sensu. When in a Garden we gather a Coronet of Flowres, wee intend not the totall beautie of that faire piece of prospectiue, but particular ornament, and entermingled delight. These supply both. But many (no doubt) will say, Horace is by mee forsaken, his Lyrick softnesse, and emphaticall [Page] Muse maymed: That in all there is a generall defection from his genuine Harmony. Those I must tell, I haue in this Translation, rather sought his Spirit, then Numbers; yet the Musique of Verse not neglected neither, since the English eare better heareth the Distick, and findeth that sweetnesse, and ayre in these proportions, which the Latine affecteth, and (questionlesse) attaineth in Saphick or Iambick measures. Some will vrge againe, why were not these Wreathes of morall, and serious Odes, for the more varietie, and generall entertainement of most, mixed with his wanton and looser straines of Poesie? These I answer, and with it conclude. The Translatour of these, had rather teach Vertue to the modest, then discouer Vice to the dissolute. The streames of Helicon, are cleare, and Chrystalline. Drinke thou goodnesse from these purer Fountaines, whilest such take vnhappy draughts, from the troubled and muddy waters of Sensuality.
Jn Fidelissimum HORATII interpretem T. H. Equitem Auratum.
ANglia nunc Musis dominatur; Horatius Anglus
Laetatur; Lyrico victa (que) Roma suo est;
Talia, linguarum Dominam mirabere posse
Dicere; non magis est, haec potuisse, rudem?
Flaccus mutatur, remanet sed candor in Illo;
Plumeus, in doctas, concidit imber, aquas;
Sic tibi gent is honos, nostrae tibi debita linguae
Gloria; & Angliacae Laurea vitta Comae.
F. L.
To the Translatour.
VVHat shal I fi [...]st commend? your happy choice
Of this most vsefull Poet? or your skill,
To make the Eccho equall with the voice,
And trace the Lines drawne by the Authors quill?
The Latine Writers by vnlearned hands,
In forraine Robes vnwillingly are drest,
But thus inuited into other Lands,
Are glad to change their tongue at such request.
The good, which in our minds their labours breed,
Layes open to their Fame a larger way.
These strangers England with rich plentie feed,
Which with our Countreys freedome we repay:
When sitting in pure Language like a Throne,
They proue as great with vs, as with their owne.
Iohn Beaumont.
To his worthie Friend, Sr. T. H. Knight, vpon his Translation.
VVHile to thy Time the Lyrick Poet sings,
And takes new graces frō thy tuned strings;
Behold, whole Quires of Muses, reddy stand,
To beg like fauour at thy curious hand.
Who would not ioyne with them, and moue the same,
That sees this One so happie in thy Name?
We whom the Romans held for dull and weake,
Now teach their best of Poets how to speake.
They need not lay to thee, the want of skill,
Of Musick, or of Muses, hee that will,
May heare them both exprest by thee, in vaines
Equall, if not beyond the Roman straines.
George Fortescue.
To my Noble Friend, Sir T. H. Knight.
An O de in pure l [...]bick feet.
I Knew before thy dainty tuch,
Vpon the Lordly Violl:
But of thy Lyre who knew so much
Before this happy triall?
So tuned is thy sacred Harpe,
To make her eccho sweetly sharpe.
I wote not how to praise inough
Thy Musick and thy Muses:
Thy Glosse so smooth, the Text so tough,
Be Iudge, who both peruses.
Thy choice of Odes is also chaste,
No want it hath, it hath no waste.
A grace it is for any Knight,
A stately Steed to stable:
But vnto Pegasus the light
Is any comparable?
No Courser of so comly Course,
Was euer as the winged Horse.
That Astrophill, of Arts the life,
S. Phi. Sidney.
A Knight was, and a Poet:
So was the Man, who tooke to wife
S. Geof. Chancer.
The Daughter of La-Roët.
So Thou that hast reseru'd a parte,
To rouze my Iohnson, and his Arte.
Receiue the while my lowly Verse
to waite vpon thy Muses:
Who ca [...]not halfe thy worth reherse,
My braine that height refuses.
Beueath thy Meede is all my praise;
That, asks a Crowne of holy Baies.
Hugh Holland.
In laudem Authoris. Oda, In quâ Versiones nonnullae ab eodem factae praenotantur.
QValis Sonoro voluitur alueo
Veruis Hydaspes imbribus intumens,
Ripaeque debellator vndas
Per teneras rapit amnis herbas.
Horatiano talis ab aequore
Linguae decorus flumine patriae
Manas, & inspiras amorem
Cordibus, imperio Camoe [...]ae.
Scu cantu auit is Regibus editum
Moecenas Ataui [...] &c. Iam satis terris, &c.
H [...]roa promis: seu violentiùs
Vndas retorquentem minacis
Tibridos in dominam Orbis vrbem
Cantas Etrusci littoris aggerem:
Vitae ipse purus seu canis integ [...]um;
Integer vit [...], &c. Quis desiderio, &c. Dianam tenerae, &c. O Diua gratum, &c.
Raptumque non deduci ab Orco
Quinctilium lacrymis perurges.
Per te Dianam dicere Virgines
Nouere. Diuam, quae regit Antium,
Eheu! quid vrges in Britannos
Caesareis comitem ire turmis?
Nunc quaeris auro quis color abdito.
Nullus argento, &c. Aequam memento, &c. Non semper imbres, &c. Beatus ilbe, qul, &c. Exegi monumentum, &c.
Nunc mentis ornas aequanimae fidem.
Nunc Mystis extincti calores
Picrijs moderaris vndis.
Tandem beato ruris in otio
Laudas agentes. His tibi sacula
Post mille duraturum, & vltra
Carminibus monum [...]ntum adornas.
G. D.
V. Cl. T. H. Equiti Aurato, Suo.
ANglica Romani iam prodit Musa leporis
Aemula, nec caeptis excidit illa suis.
Quàm sibi Narcisso similis Narcissus in vndis,
Tam similis nostras Flacce Poeta tibi.
Quàm similis linguae rediuiuis vocibus Echo
Permeat aethereas, Nympha canora, plagas,
Tam similis Lyricae respondet nostra Camoenae,
Romanum (que) melos Anglica plectra mouent.
Romanas tenuit Romanus Horatius aures,
Nunc Anglas Anglus non tenet ille minùs.
Nam quod dulce sonat Romanis Appula Musa.
Hoc resonas Anglis Cantia Musa tuis.
I. CHAPPERLINVS.
ODES OF HORACE.
The First Booke.
Ode. I. To MAECENAS.
All things please not all men. HORACE most especially affecteth the name of a Lyrick Poet.
Maecenas atavis.
MAecenas sprung from Grandsire Kings descent,
O, my defence, and sweetest ornament.
There are, who in their Chariots speedy flight,
To rayse Olimpique dust, doe take delight:
And hauing with chass'd wheeles, the goale declin'd,
For Conquest's meed, haue stile of gods assign'd.
This man, if wauering Citizens contend,
His worth, with threefold hohours to commend:
That other, if he in his Garnier stores,
What euer hath beene swept from Lybian flores,
From painefull Tillage, and the Countreys loue,
The wealth of Attalus can neuer moue,
That he a Marriner in feare of losse,
With Cyprian Barke Myrtōan Seas should crosse.
When Southwest windes, Icarian waues doe raise,
The Merchāt rest, & Countrey graunge doth praise;
Straight his torne Vessell, he repayres againe,
The force of want vnable to sustaine.
Some others vse, old Massique Wines to ply,
Nor from the day, some part to take deny;
Now, seeking vnder Arbutt's shade to cling,
Now neere the soft head of some gentle Spring.
In Tents, and Trumpets Eccho some delight,
Mixt with the Flute, and Warres that Mothers fright
In Fields the Hunter on the coldest day,
Forgetfull of his tender Wife, doth stay:
Whither his faithfull doggs, haue view'd the Hinde,
Or, Marsyan Bore his round netts haue vntwin'd.
Me, Iuy the reward, for Learned browes.
A place, among supernall gods allowes
Light qui [...]es of Wood Nymphes, that with Satyres bide,
And shady groues from Vulgar me diuide:
So that my Pipe Eu [...]erpe not restraine,
Nor Polyhimne to tune my Lute refraine.
But if you me, 'mongst Lyricks will account,
My raysed Creast aboue the Starres shall mount.
Ode II. To AVGVSTVS CAESAR.
Many stormes are powred vpon the People of Rome in reuenge of Iulius Caesar slaine. The onely hope of the Empire is placed in the safetie of Augustus.
Iam satis terris.
Ioue, now on Earth, sufficient,
Of Snow, and direfull Hayle hath sent;
Who shaking Towers, with fiery hand,
Affrighted made the Citie stand:
He Nations scarr'd, left Pirrah's Raigne
New Monsters should produce againe;
As earst when Pro [...]eus draue his Flock,
To feed on Cliffe of steepy Rock,
Then to the Elme's Tope Fishes claue,
Which Turtles vs'd for seat to haue
And Does, whom sodaine frights disease,
Swam boldly ouer swelling Seas.
Our eyes haue yealow Tybers Flood
Beheld, by Tyrrhen Shores withstood
With violence; run downe to beate,
The Tombes of Kings, and Vesta's seat.
While Ilia much to him complaines,
He vowes reuenge: Though Ioue disdaines,
His wandring, and vxorious waue,
Vpon the Citie bancke, should raue.
Succeeding Youth, through Parents crimes,
Impayr'd, shall heare that passed times,
Haue sharp'ned swords; shall heare of bralls,
Wherewith the Persian better falls.
To which god, shall we Vowes assigne,
Now, that our State affaires decline?
What prayer shall holy Virgin Saints,
To Vèsta yeeld, made dease to plaints?
To whom shall Ioue, the power dispense,
Of expiating Sinnes offence?
(Diuining Phebus) come we pray,
Whose shoulders white the Clouds array.
Or, if thou please (smoth Venus) hy
About whom Sport and Pleasures flye.
Or founder Mars, if Stocke, or Kinne,
Thou Loue, which haue neglected bene.
O, thou that cloyed art with fight,
Whom clamour, and smoth Helmes delight:
And Mauritanian's visage bold,
When his sterne Fo, he doth behold.
Or, mayst thou (gentle Maia's Sonne)
With winged speed be hither wonne.
Augustus figure, chaung'd in thee,
Caesar's reuengefull friend to be.
Oh, mayst thou (late) to heauen retyre;
Be present long, to Rome's desire:
Nor may the speedy blast of Time,
Take thee offended with our Crime.
Heere Triumphs seeke, and lasting fame,
Instil'd with Prince, and Fathers name;
Nor suffer Caesar (thou our Guide)
The Medians vnreueng'd to ride.
Ode XXII. To ARISTIVS.
Integrity of life is euery where safe, which he proueth, by his owne example.
Integer Vitae.
Fvscus) the man whose life's entire,
And free from sinne, needs not desire;
The Bow, nor Dart from Moore to borow,
Nor from full Quiuer poys'ned Arow:
Whither o're Libya's partched Sands,
Or Caucasus, that houselesse stands,
He takes his iourney; or those places,
By which the fam'd Hydaspes traces.
For I, while, in the Sabine Groue,
My Lalage doe chaunting roue,
From me not marking limits dew,
A Wolfe (though I vnarmed) slew.
A Monster such, as all exceeds,
Which in large woods fierce Daunia feeds:
Or those, which Iuba's Kingdome hath,
The Desert nourse of Lyons wroth.
Place me in coldest Champaines, where,
No Sommer warmth, the Trees doth cheere:
Let me in that dull Climat rest,
Which Cloudes, and sullen Ioue infest:
Yea place me vnderneath the Carre
Of too-neere Phebus: seated farre
From dwellings. Lalage, I'le loue,
Whose smiles, whose words so sweetly moue.
Ode XXIV. To VIRGILL.
Who immoderatly bemoned the death of Quintilius.
Quis desiderio sit.
MElpomene) on whom great Iupiter
Did shrillest voice to tunefull Harpe conferre:
Declare in mournefull Notes; what shame, or let
Should on the loue of such a friend beset.
Shall then Quintilius sleepe eternally?
An equall vnto whom, pure Modestie
And Iustice Sister, Faith sincere and plaine,
And naked Veritie, shall neuer gaine?
Of many worthy men bemoan'd he fell:
But (Virgill) no man's griefe can thine excell.
Thou (louing) dost (alas) the gods in vaine
Quintil us, not so lent thee, aske againe.
What if more sweet, then Thracian Orphens wyre,
You Trees perswade, to hearken to your Lyre;
Yet can you not, returne of Life command,
To shaddow vaine; which once with dreadfull wand,
God Mercury, vnwilling Fate t'vnlocke,
Hath forc'd to dwell among the Stygian flocke.
Tis hard I grant. "But Patience makes that light,
Which to correct, or chaunge, exceeds our might.
Ode XXVIII.
Architas, a Philosopher and Geometrician is presented, answering to a certaine Marriner, that all men must dye, and entreating him, that hee would not suffer his body to lie on the shore vnburied.
Te Maris, & Terrae.
THee, who the Sea, Earth, Sands, that none can tell
To bound with measure, knew'st (Architas) well.
The poore gift of a little dust confiries,
And neere vnto the Matine shore enshrines:
Nor could it any helpe, or profit bee,
Death being ready still to call for thee;
Those ay'rie mansions to enquire from hence,
And search in mind the Heau'ns circumference.
The Syre of Pelops, who with Gods did feast,
And aged Tython, shrunke at Deaths arrest:
And Minos, to Ioues Councells call'd, was slaine,
And Panthois dyed, let out of Hell againe,
Though he with Shield affixed, prouing well
That his first Birth in Troian ages fell,
Affirm'd, that death nought kill'd, but nerues, & skin:
(No man in Natures power was better seene:)
But wee into one selfe same night doe fall,
And must the paths of Death tread once for all.
The Furies, some to games of Mars apply
The greedy Sayler, drencht in Seas doth lie.
In death both young and old by heapes do ioyne;
Nor any head escapes sad Proserpine.
Yea, the South-wind, crooked Orions mate,
Or'e whelm'd me in Illyrian waues of late:
But bee thou pleased (gentle Marriner,)
MY bones, and head, in loose sand to interre.
Which done (so thou be safe) may th' Easterne wind,
That moues Hesperian billowes be assign'd,
To bluster lowdly in Venusium woods:
And may on eu'ry side, thy traffick'd goods,
In plentie flow to thee, from Ioue's iust hand,
Aud Neptune, who Tarentum doth command:
But if to frustrate me thou bee not nice,
Which may thy guiltlesse issue preiudice;
I wish due punishment, and proud neglect,
May on thy Funerall Obscquies reflect:
Nor may my Prayers be powred forth in vaine,
Nor vowes haue strength to set thee free againe.
Yet if thou hast, no longer stay I craue,
Then, thrice the dust be throwne vpon my graue.
Ode XXXI. To APOLLO.
He desireth not riches of Apollo, but that hee may haue a sound mind in a healthy bodie.
Quid dedicatum poscit.
WHat doth thy Poet aske Phaebus diuine?)
What craues he, when he powres thee bowls of wine?
Not the rich corne of fat Sardinia,
Nor gratefull flockes of burnt Calabria,
Nor Gold, nor Indian Iuory; nor the grounds,
Which silent Lyris, with soft streame arrounds:
Let those whom Fortune so much store assignes,
Dresse with Calenian hooke, their fertile Vines:
Let the rich Merchant to the Gods so deare,
(For so I tearme him right, who euery yeare
Three, or foure times, visits th' Atlantique Seas,
From shipwracke free:) Let him his palate please,
And drinke in gilt bowles, wines of highest price,
Bought with the sale of Syrian Marchandise.
Loose Mallowes, Succory, and Oliue plant
Serue me for food. O (great Apollo) grant,
To me in health, and free from lifes annoy,
Things natiue, and soone gotten to enioy;
And with a mind compos'd old age attaine,
Not lothsome, nor depriu'd of Lyrick straine.
Ode XXXIV. To HIMSELFE.
Who repenteth, that hauing followed the Epicurean Sect, he therby hath negligently honored the gods.
Parcus Deorum cultor.
I, Of the gods a tardie worshipper,
Whilst (skill'd) in frantike wisedome I doe erre,
Now backward forced am my sayles to raise,
And to seeke out againe forsaken wayes.
For Iupiter, who light to day inspires,
Diuiding sable clouds, with shining fires,
Hath through the cleare skie oft ordain'd his drift,
With thunder breathing horse and chariot swift,
Wherewith d [...]ll earth, and wandring riuers quake,
The Stygian Fenne, and horrid Seat doth shake
Of hatefull Taenarus, and Atlas bounds.
"God, in exchange, the high with low confounds:
"Hee abiect basenesse on the highest flings,
"And casteth lustre on obscured things.
Hence restlesse Fortune, height from one man takes,
With shrillest noyse, and great another makes.
Ode XXXV. To FORTVNE.
Hee beseecheth her, that shee would preserue Caesar going into Brittany.
O diua gratum.
O Goddesse, which beloued Antium swayes,
Still ready with thy powerfull arme to raise,
Men from the low degree of wretched thralls,
Or turne proud triumphs into funeralls.
The poore, and rustick Clowne, with humble plea
Sollicites thee: Thee Lady of the Sea,
Hee lowdly inuocates; who e're doth sweepe
In Asian vessell the Carpathian deepe.
The Dacian rough, the wandring Scythian,
Cities, and Kingdomes; The fierce Latian;
Thee Mothers of Barbarian Kings doe feare,
And Tyrants, which bright purple garments weare.
Let not a standing pillar bee or'ethrowne
With thy offended foot; nor bee it knowne,
That people apt for armes, yet now at rest,
Take armes againe, and Empires peace infest.
Thee sharpe Necessitie, doth still fore-goe,
Holding in brazen hand, as pledge of woe,
Tormenting beames, and racks: and more to dant,
Sharpe hookes, and molten lead doe neuer want.
Thee Hope, and simple Faith in white attire,
Doth honour, and thy company desire,
How e're another habit thou dost take,
And made a foe, great houses thou forsake.
But the false multitude, and periur'd whore
Doth backe retire; yea friends when vessells store,
Is to the dregges drunke vp; Away they flie,
Shunning the yoke of mutuall pouertie.
Preserue thou Caesar safe, wee thee implore,
Bound to the world's remotest Brittan shore,
And the late raysed troupes of youth most able,
To Easterne parts, and red Sea formidable.
We at our scarres doe blush, Sinne, Brothers fall.
(Vile Age) what mischefes doe we shun at all?
What youth, his hand, for feare of gods containes?
Or who himselfe from Altars spoyle restraines?
Ah wouldst thou now our blunted swords new frame
Th' Arabians, and the Massagetes to tame.
The end of the first Booke.
ODES OF HORACE.
The Second Booke.
Ode. II. To C. SALVSTIVS CRISPVS.
Hee prayseth Proculeius for liberalitie towards his brothers. Onely contempt of money maketh a man happie.
Nullus Argento color.
NO colour is in Golden vaine,
(Oh Salust, enemy of gaine)
Hidden within a greedie Mine,
Vnlesse with temp'rate vse it shine.
Neuer shall Proculeius die,
'Mongst Brothers mark'd for pietie:
Suruiuing Fame with daring flight,
Shall yeeld his Name eternall right.
In larger circuit thou dost raigne,
If greedy humour thou restraine.
Then if thou Gades to Lybia ioyne,
Or both the Carthages were thine.
The selfe-indulgent Dropsie growes,
Nor doth the palate's thirst vnlose,
Till man from vaines, the sicknesse cause,
And pallid watry faintnesse drawes.
Vertue, that vulgar doth oppose,
Not in the ranke of happy, chose
Phraat with Cyrus throne indu'de.
And doth forbid the multitude
False acclamations to make;
And rule, and Scepter safe partake,
And Bayes to him alone apply,
Who viewes huge heapes with carelesse eye.
Ode III. To DELIVS.
Prosperous, and aduerse Fortune are to be moderately borne, since one, and the selfe same condition of death, hangeth ouer euery man.
Aequam memento.
IN aduerse chaunce, an equall mind retaine,
As in best fortunes temp'red, free from vaine
Of mirth profuse: For (Delius) thou must dy,
Whither in sadnesse, thou doest euer ly;
Or, on Feast dayes retyr'd to grassie shade,
Thou with close Falerne wine art happy made:
Where the white Poplar, and the loftie Pine,
Their friendly shade in mutuall branches twine:
And Riuers swiftly gliding striue, apace
'Bout crooked bankes, their trembling streames to chase.
Bring hither Wine, and od'rous Vnguents. Bring
The daintie Rose, a faire, but fading thing.
While Fortune, age, and wealth yeeld seasons fit.
And the three Sisters sable loomes permit:
Thou from thy house must part, & purchas'd woods,
And village lau'd, with yellow Tybers floods.
And thy high hoarded heaps of wealths excesse,
An Heire (perhaps) vngratefull shall possesse.
No matter tis, whither thou rich art borne,
Of Argine Kings; or low, expos'd to scorne,
Sprung from poore Parents, liu'st in open fields;
Thou art Death's sacrifice, (who neuer yeelds.)
Wee all are thither brought, 'tis hee that turnes,
And windes our mortall life's vncertaine Vrnes.
Sooner or later each man hath his lot,
And exil'd hence, embarques in Charon's Boat.
Ode IX. To VALGIVS.
That now at length hee would desist, to deplore his deceased Myste.
Non semper imbres.
THe swelling cloud, not alwayes powres,
On rugged fields impetuous showres.
Nor Caspian Sea (Valgius belou'd)
With tossing stormes, is euer mou'd.
Nor on Armenia's bord'ring shore,
The sluggish ice stands alwayes hore:
Or Ga [...]gan groues, with North-winds riu'd,
Or Ash trees are of leaues depriu'd.
You still in mournfull sort complaine
That death, hath dearest Myste slaine.
Your loue not failes, if Vesper rise,
Nor when bright Hesper, Phoebus flies.
But thrice-ag'd Nestor, mourn'd not still,
That death An [...]ilochus did kill:
Nor Parents, nor sad Sisters, euer
To waile young Troilus perseuer.
Cease then at length, thy soft complaint;
And in our Songs, now, let vs paint,
Great Caesar's Trophies, and command,
And how conioyn'd to conquer'd land,
The Median streame, and Nyphate strong,
Doe in lesse Channells, runne along;
And Gelon's to lesse limits ty'de,
In farre more aightned fields doe ride.
Ode X. To LICINIVS.
Mediocritie to bee vsed in either Fortunes.
Rectius viues Licini.
YOur safer course (Licinius) count,
Not alwayes on the Maine to mount:
Not whilst you (wisely) stormes abhorre,
Too much to trust the shelfie shore.
Hee that affects the golden meane,
Liues safe from Cottages vncleane,
And (sober) doth as much despise,
In Enuy breeding Courts to rise.
The blustring winds more often farre,
Gainst loftie Pinès, doe threaten warre:
Braue Towers with greater ruine fall,
And Thunders highest hills enthrall,
Each Fortune, minds prepar'd doth glad,
They feare in good, and hope in bad.
Ioue brings in horrid Winters rage,
And sodainly doth it asswage.
If with thee now, it bee but ill,
Thinke that it cannot bee so still.
Sometimes Apollo's silent Muse,
Speakes in his Harpe; nor doth he vse,
Alwayes to bend his angry Bow;
In crosses strength, and courage show.
And let your sayles with prosperous wind
Too much aduanced, bee declin'd.
Ode XI. To QVINTVS HIRPINVS.
Cares layd aside, let vs liue merily.
Quid bellicosus Cantaber.
VVHat the Cantabrian stout, or Scythian thinke,
Diuided with opposed Adria's brinke,
(Quintus Hirpinus) doe not thou enquire,
Nor for life's vse, which little doth desire,
Bee thou too carefull. Smooth-fac'd youth, apace
Doth backward flie, and with it beautie's grace.
Dry aged hoarinesse with furrowes deepe,
Dispelling amorous fires, and gentle sleepe.
The Summer flowers keepe not their natiue grace,
Nor shines the bright Moone, with a constant face.
Why dost thou tyre thy mind, subordinate
Vnto the Councells of Eternall Fate?
Why vnder this high Plane, or Pine tree's shade
In discomposed manner, carelesse layd,
Our hoary hayre perfum'd with fragrant Rose,
And odours, which Assyria doth disclose.
Doe we (annoynted) not to drinke prepare?
Free Bacchus dissipates consuming care.
But (oh) what Boy, Falernian wines hote rage,
Will soone for me, with gliding streames asswage?
(Ah) who retyred Lyde will require,
Hither to come. Boy with her Iuory Lyre,
Bid her make haste, and haire to tie not shame,
In carelesse knot, like a Laconian Dame.
Ode XIV. To POSTHVMVS.
Life is short, and Death is necessary.
Eheu fugaces Posthume.
AH Posthumus, swift yeares doe passe,
Nor can religious zeale (alas)
To wrinckles, or decrepit dayes,
Or Death vntamed bring delayes:
Not, if thou to harsh Plutoe's shrine
Each day three hundred Bulls assigne:
Who Geryon, and Tytius bound,
With sable Riuer, doth surround.
A streame on which each man must sayle,
From royall Scepter to the flayle.
Wee bloody Mars decline in vaine,
Or broken waues of Adrian maine:
And (needlesse) feare in Autumne rife,
The South-wind's hurtfull to our life.
Wandring Cocytus Flood, with slow
And heauy Current, thou must know.
And Danâus infamous traine,
And Sysiphus with endlesse paine.
Thou House, Land, louely Wife must want,
Nor of the Trees, which thou dost plant,
(Thou dead) will any wayt on thee,
But the despised Cypresse tree.
Thy worthier Heire, drinkes precious wine,
Which thou with hundred keies did'st shrine;
And with it the rich pauement dewes;
None such the high Priests Banquet shewes.
Ode. XV.
Against the excesse of that Age.
Iam pauca aratro.
MAgnifique buildings will leaue shortly, now,
Few Akers of firme land, vnto the Plough;
Now many are beheld huge Pooles to make
Of much more wide extent, then Lucrine Lake.
The solitary Plane, the Elme supplants,
And now no sort of od'rous flowers wants,
As Roses, Violets, and Venus-Mirtle,
Where th'Oliue grew, to former Lords so fertile.
The Lawrell now, to Phebus piercing eye,
Through his thick branches passage doth denie.
No such Praescript, did R [...]mulus exact,
Nor Elders, nor rough Cato did enact.
Priuate Reuenues, then, were short, and low,
And each man sought to make the publike flow.
Proud Galleries no priuate man, then made,
Of ten foot wide, to let in Northerne shade.
Nor did our Lawes, then, suffer vs disdaine,
A casuall Turfe, for Pillow to retaine;
Commaunding townes to build, at publique charge,
And the gods Temples, with new stone enlarge.
Ode XVI. TO GROSPHVS.
All men desire tranquilitie of mind, which can neither with Riches, nor Honours bee acquired, but onely with bridleling our Appetites.
Otium Diuos rogat.
SOone as black clouds haue hid the Moones bright eye,
And Pilots cannot best known Stars espy,
The Marriner toss'd in Aegean Sea,
Straight to the gods for rest makes humble plea.
The Thracians fierce in warre doe ease require,
And Quiuer-bearing Medes repose desire,
Repose, which not with gemms, purple, or gold,
(Beleeue me Grosphus) will be bought, or sold.
No Wealth, nor Consulls Lictors that make way,
Can from the Heart disturbed tumults fray,
Nor cares which round about gilt roofes doe fly.
Hee with a little liueth happily,
Who hauing on his homely Table plac'd,
His Fathers Cup, and Salt kept vndefac'd,
So liues, that feare, nor sordid lucre keepe
His waking eyes from soft, and gentle sleepe.
Why doe wee (boldly) many things propose
In [...]ort liu'd age, which Time doth quickly close?
Why lands with other Sonne enflamed change?
Who from himselfe, though far frō home can range?
Strong Ships are boarded by consuming Care:
Nor doth she brauest troupes of Horsemen spare:
More swift shee is, then the light footed Hind,
Or tempeft-raising stormes of Easterne wind.
The mind in present cheerefull, hates to care
For what beyond it lies; And doth prepare
To temper bitter things with laughter free:
"Nothing in all respects can happy bee.
Death quickly snatched braue Achilles hence,
Nor did with Tython's long liu'd age dispense:
And that (perhaps) of time I may obtaine,
Which thy expecting hopes shall neuer gaine.
You many fertile flocks of sheepe command,
Siciliax Kine about you lowing stand.
Your Mares for Chariot fit, are heard from farre,
Lowdly to neigh: Nor garments wanting are,
Of Purple cloth, dipp'd twice in Affrick Dy;
While a poore state, by vpright destiny,
To me is giu'n; mix'd with a slender name,
Of Greekish Muse, and scorne of vulgar Fame.
Ode XVII. TO MAECENAS being sicke.
Whom hee resolueth not to sur [...]iue.
Cur Me querelis.
WHy kill you mee with your laments?
It neither gods, nor mee contents,
Macenas (first) should yeeld to Fate,
The Grace, and Piller of my State.
But if a speedier stroke of death,
Rob thee (my soules best part) of breath?
Why stay I in the other, Sole,
Not pleasing to my Selfe, nor whole?
One day shall see vs perish both:
I haue not sworne an idle oath.
Goe, when you please, I will not stay,
But be your partner in the way.
Chimaera's spirit breathing fire,
Nor hundred-handed Gyas, Ire;
Shall this my fixed vow abate;
Thus Iustice hath it pleas'd, and Fate.
Though Libra in his full aspect,
And feared-Scorpius, direct,
My Horoscope with rage infest,
Or, Capricorne, that rules the West;
Our Constellations both agree
In admirable sort. And thee
loues radiant lustre, hath exempt,
From Saturnes Beame maleuolent,
And slack'd the wings of speedy death,
What time the people with lowd breath,
Thrice in the Theater did sound
That gladsome newe [...]: Eu'n then a wound,
By a tree's fall, my skull had broke.
But Wood-god Faunus, from the stroke,
Mee then did happily assist,
(Patron of each Mercurialist.)
Then pay thy vowes, thy Temple build,
And I a tender Lambe will yeeld.
Ode XVIII.
Hee affirmeth himselfe content with little, while others are wholly addicted to their desires, and encrease of riches, as if they should alwayes line.
Non ebur, neque aureum.
No guilded roofe, nor Iuory fret,
For splendor in my house is set;
Nor beames are from Hymettia sought,
To lye athwart rich Columnes, brought
From Affrick; nor an heyre vnknowne.
Altalus wealth, make I mine owne.
No honest Clyents wiues you see,
Laconian Purples weaue for mee:
A loyall heart, and gentle vaine,
Of wit I haue; which doth constraine
Rome's richest men, to seeke the loue,
Of mee but poore: Nor gods aboue,
Doe I inuoke for larger store;
Nor of Macenas aske I more.
To mee, my onely Sabine field,
Sufficient happinesse doth yeeld.
"One day thrust's on another fast,
And new Moones to the Wane doe hast.
When death (perhaps) is neare at hand,
Thou fayrest Marbles dost command
Be cut for vse, yet dost neglect
Thy graue, and houses still erect,
And would'st abridge, the vast Sea's shore,
Which loudly doth at Baia rore:
Enriched little, lesse content,
With limits of the Continent.
Why often pull you vp your bounds,
T'enlarge the Circuit of your grounds,
And greedily your list extend
Beyond your neighbour straightly penn'd [...]
Both man, and wife with sordid brood,
And ancient houshold gods, that stood
In quiet peace, must bee expeld;
Yet is no habitation, held,
For the rich Land-lord, so assur'd,
As in deepe Hell to bee immur'd.
Then whither doe you further tend?
Th'indifferent Earth, an equall friend,
As willingly opens her wombe,
For Beggers graue, as Prince's Tombe.
Gold could of Charon not obtaine,
To beare Prometheus backe againe.
Proud Tantalus, and all his stock,
Hee, in the bands of Fate did lock.
And call'd, or not call'd still is prest,
To giue the labouring poore man, Rest.
The end of the second Booke.
ODES OF HORACE.
The Third Booke.
Ode I.
Life is made happy, not with Riches, but Mind's Tranquilitie.
Odi profanum vulgus.
I Hate, and from mee doe exclude,
The most illiterate Multitude.
You knowing Spirits, fauour bring
To me the Muses Priest, who sing
To Boyes, and spotlesse Virgins, Verse
Which none did euer yet reherse.
Kings awfull, their owne Subiects sway,
And Kings themselues doe loue obay:
Who famous for the Gyants fall,
With brow austere doth mannage all.
Say one, more large in furrowes plant
Trees, which another man doth want.
What though one boast a nobler straine,
Affected honours to attaine:
One better life, and Fame pretends,
Another hath more troupes of friends:
With equall Law, ne're fayling death,
The rich, and poore depriues of breath:
Casting that name, from forth his Vrne,
Which next by lot to death must turne.
To him, who o're his wicked head,
A drawne sword sees in twine of thread,
Sicilian Feasts, with dainties grac't,
Procure not Palate-pleasing tast;
No chant of Birds, nor charme of Lyre,
Can to his eyes, soft sleepe inspire:
Delicious Sleepe, no whit disdaines,
The homely Cottages of Swaines:
Nor shady bankes, nor Tempe groue,
Where Zephirus doth gently roue.
Hee who desires, but what's enough,
Feares not the Ocean billowes rough:
Nor sterne Arcturus force, that sets,
Nor rising Kid, who stormes begets:
His Vines, nor ruin'd are with hayle,
Nor doe his crops in Haruest faile:
His fields, now blaming water-falls,
Now parching Starres, now Winter-thralls.
Yea Fishes feele the Seas growne straight,
With Bulwarks rais'd, of wondrous waight:
Heere the Surueyor, with his traine,
And Lord himselfe, fill'd with disdaine;
Of his firme Land's too narrow ring,
Building materialls frequent bring:
But angry threats, and restlesse Feare,
Goe with their Master euery where.
Black Care, in ship, with him abides,
And sits behind him, when hee rides.
But if, nor Phrygian Columnes, can,
Nor vse of Purples brighter, than
Heauens Lights, disturbed minds content,
Nor Falerne Vine, nor Persian Sent.
Why Pillars proud, should I erect,
Or Gall'ry of new Architect?
Why should I Sabine's Countrey Grange,
For much more busie wealth exchange?
Ode II. To his FRIENDS.
Boyes are to bee enured from their tender age, to pouerty, warfare, and painfull Life.
Angustam amici.
LEt able Youth, it selfe enure,
By warres sharpe vse, want to endure.
And mounted on his Horse, with Speare,
No whit bold Parthians valour feare:
Let him exposed to open ayre,
Liue, and attempt, the hard'st affaire.
Whom wife of Tyrant, vs'd to warre,
Viewing, from hostile walls afarre;
And Mayd for marriage ripe may crie,
With sighes, which from sad passion flie.
Oh, that my royall Loue, vntrain'd
In martiall feats, would be restrain'd,
Not to fierce Combats fatall stroke,
That wrathfull Lyon to prouoke,
Whom bloody angers direfull rage,
In thickest slaughters doth engage.
"It is a sweet, and noble gaine,
"In Countreys quarrell to be slaine.
Death, the swift flying man pursues
With ready steps: Nor doth he vse,
To spare, from vnauoyded wrack,
Youth's supple hammes, or fearefull back.
Vertue disdaining base neglect,
Doth shine with taintlesse honours deckt:
Nor takes, or leaues she honour's choyce,
To please the people's ay'ry voyce.
Vertue, vnlocking Heau'n to praise,
Doth dauntlesse try, denied wayes.
Vulgar assemblies doth despise,
And leauing Earth, to Heauen flies.
Yea, trusty Silence is not barr'd,
To haue a merited reward.
Hee, who to blab the holy Rites,
Of secret Ceres Phane delights,
Vnder the same roofe shall not bee,
Nor in fraile Vessell sayle with mee.
"Ioue oft neglected, makes the Iust
"To smart with those are stayn'd with lust;
"Seldome Reuenge, with halting pace,
Leaues bad fore-going men to trace.
Ode. III.
A man with vertue adorned, feareth nothing. Iuno's Oration of Troye's ouerthrow, and the end of that warre. And how the Romane Empire shall take beginning from the Troians.
Iustum & tenacem.
HEe, that is iust, and of resolued mind,
No voyce of Citizens to bad enclind,
Nor angry brow of hastie Tyrants threat,
Can shake his solid thoughts from Vertue's seat.
Not the South winde, which doth rough Adria stirr,
Nor potent hand of thundring Iupiter;
Yea, should the world dissolued perish quite,
The so [...]aine ruines would him not affright.
With this same Art, the wandring Hercules,
And Pollux, did the fi'ry Turrets seaze.
Twixt whom Augustus plac'd, with rosie lips
Nectar, the Gods eternall liquor, sips.
With this god Bacchus, high his worth did reare,
By Tygers drawne, vntaught the yoke to beare.
With this Art Romulus on Mars his Steeds,
Leaues Acheron, and to Heau'ns glory speeds.
What time the gods consulting. Iuno sayd
In gratefull accents this; Troy, Troy, betray'd,
A fatall, and incestuous Iudge hath burn'd,
And a strange woman vnto Ashes turn'd.
Eu'n from that time, that Priams wayward Sire,
Bereft the righteous gods their promis'd hire,
Which Troy by mee, and Pallas once contemn'd,
With Prince and people, were to flames condemn'd.
Now the knowne guest, of that adult'rous Dame
Which fled from Greece, no more shall merit fame;
And Priams periur'd stock, with Hector's ayd,
No more shall make the warlike Greekes dismayd.
The fatall warres, which our seditions fed,
Are now compos'd, and angry stormes are dead.
Henceforth to Mars my fury will I leaue,
And Vesta's off-spring vnto grace receiue:
Him I to Heau'ns bright mansions will admit,
To drinke of Nectar, and with gods to sit:
While the vast Sea, twixt Troy, and Rome is found,
Raigne happy banish'd men on any ground:
Whilst heards o're Priam's tombe, and Paris stray,
And beasts preserue their young from hunters pray,
Let the bright Capitoll it's glory spread,
And Rome giue Lawes vnto the conquer'd Mead.
Yea let her, her far-dreaded name extend,
And with the Earth's remotest confines end:
Where the Mid-stream, Europe from Affrick bounds,
Or swelling Nilus, watreth fertile grounds.
Rome abler farre, to scorne gold, yet vnfound,
(Which best is plac'd, when deepest vnder ground,)
Then to extract it thence for humane vse,
Each hand things sacred foyling with abuse.
What limit of the world, so e're contend,
Let thither Rome, her armes victorious send.
Glad to behold, where the burnt Zones doe stand,
Or clowdy Poles, which showry dewes command.
But to the most vnvanquish'd Romane State,
On this condition I prescribe this Fate,
Lest they, too pious, and indulgent yeeld,
The ruin'd walls of ancient Troy to build.
Yet if that Fortune by vnhappy chance,
Should once againe decayed Troy aduance,
I Wife, and Sister of loue, Heauens King,
With armed troupes, would new destruction bring.
If thrice a Brazen wall, by Phebus hand
Should reared bee, it thrice by my command,
The Greeks should raze, and thrice the captiue wife
Her child, and husband mourne, depriu'd of life.
But these things nothing fit, my sportiue Lyre;
Muse whither go'st thou? Ah! doe not aspire,
The gods discourse, thus boldly to relate,
Or great things with low Layes extenuate.
Ode VI. To The ROMANS.
Of the corrupt manners of that Age.
Delicta maiorum.
(Romane) resolue, thou shalt desertlesse tast,
Sinn's scourge, for vice of Predecessor past,
Vntill thou dost againe, repaire
Decayed Temples, and make fayre,
The falling houses of the gods, disgrac'd,
And cleanse their Images, with smoke defac'd.
To think thee lesse then Gods, thy power commends;
Hence take beginnings, hither ayme thy ends.
The Gods neglected, did impose
On sad Hesperia many woes.
Twice Pacorus, and twice Monaeses hand,
Our inauspicious forces did disband:
Who with a plenteous prey made glad,
To little chaines new links did add.
The Dacian, and the Aethiop fierce in warres,
Hath almost raz'd the Citie, rent with iarres.
One with his Nauy formidable,
With Darts, the other better able.
This Age in Vice abounding, did begin,
Chast Stocks, and Nuptials to pollute with sinne:
The woes which from this fountaine flow,
People, and Countrey ouerthrow.
The Mayd for Mariage ripe, much ioyes to learne,
Ionick Daunces, and can well discerne,
With art to faine, and quickly proue,
The pleasures of vnlawfull loue.
Straight made a wife in midst of husband's cups,
Shee with young Gallants, and adulterers sups.
Nor doth she care, to whom by stealth,
(Light's out) she yeeld loues lawlesse wealth.
But ask'd, doth rise, (her knowing husband by)
To prostitute her Marriage modestie:
At Factors call, or Pilot's hyre,
Of lustfull shame, a costly buyer.
That youth came not, from such Forefathers straine,
Who did the Sea with Punick blood distaine.
By such hands, Pyrrhus did not fall.
Antiochus, nor Hanniball.
But in those dayes, a braue and manly race
Of rustick Souldiers liued in this place,
Well skill'd in Plough, and Sabine spade,
And so to strict obedience made.
That if sharpe mothers bad, at home returne,
They on their sholders brought logs new'd to burne:
Soone, as the Sun, did change the mountaines shade.
And weary vnyoak'd Oxen home-ward made,
Night gaue their labours free dispense,
Chasing the Sun's bright Chariot hence.
"What wasteth not with Times deuouring rage?
"Our Fathers life, much worse the Grandsire's age,
"Sees vs more wicked, to produce
"An off spring fuller of abuse.
Ode IX. To LYDIA.
A Dialogue of his passed Loues, and renewing of them againe.
This Ode, though lesse morall then the rest, I haue admitted, for Iul. Scaliger's sake, who much admireth it.
Donec gratus eram.
Horace.
WHilst I was pleasing in thy ey,
Nor any to thy heart more nigh,
Clasp'd, that white neck in amorous Ring,
More bless'd I liu'd, then Persia's King.
Lydia.
Whilst you no other Fire embrac'd,
Nor Chlōe before Lydia plac'd.
I Lydia then with honour sign'd,
More then the Roman Illia shin'd.
Horace.
Now Thracian Chlōe I obey,
Skillfull, and prompt in Musick's lay:
For whom I will not feare to dy,
So Fate to her the same deny.
Lydia.
Calais Ornithus sonne doth fire
My heart with flames of like desire.
For whom I twice to die, will dare
So Fates, the youth suruiuing spare.
Horace.
But what if ancient Loue returne,
And vs with mutuall passion burne;
If I shake off bright Chlôe's hope,
And doores to scorned Lydia ope?
Lydia.
Though hee bee brighter then a Starre,
And lighter thou, then Corke by farre.
More angry, then rough Adria; I
With thee would liue, with thee would die.
Ode XIV. To the ROMAN PEOPLE.
This Ode containeth the prayses of Augustus returning out of Spaine, after his Conquest ouer the Cantabrians.
Herculis ritu.
AS Hercules, sometime was thought
Bayes with life's hazard to haue sought;
So Caesar now, to vs restores,
Our houshold gods from Spanish shores.
The wife that's with one husband pleas'd,
Let her come foorth, the gods appeas'd.
Octauia Caesar's Sister, hast,
And Head with humble veyle embrac't,
Now Mothers with your Virgins deare,
And sonnes (late) safe return'd, appeare.
Now Boyes, and you new maryed trayne
Of wiues, from euill words abstaine.
From mee this new made Holy-day,
Black sullen cares, shall take away.
Nor feare I in great Caesars raigne,
By force, or tumult to bee slaine.
(Boy) Crownes, and Vnguents now prepare,
And vessell kept, since Marsian warre:
If any such conceal'd hath been,
By wandring Spartacus not seene.
Let shrill Neaera heere bee found,
With golden hayre in tresses bound.
But if the Porter, make delay
With churlish answere; Hast away.
White hayres doe mollifie my mind,
To brawles, and quarrells earst inclin'd.
This in Youths heat, I could not brooke,
When Consull Plancus, Office tooke.
Ode XVI. To MAECENAS.
All things lye open to Gold, but Horace is content with his owne Fortune, whereby bee is made happy.
Inclusam Danäen.
DOores strongly fenced, and a Brazen Tower,
With carefull Gard of waking dogs had power
Fayre Dana [...] in stony walls immur'd,
From night-Adulterers to haue secur'd:
Did not both loue and Venus then deride
Acrisius, who the Mayd with feare did hide.
For they the way knew free, and safe the hold,
Were but the god once turned into gold.
Gold abler, armed troupes to passe, then thunder,
The strongest Fortresses doth rent assunder.
The Argiue Angur's house, with all his State,
Desire of gaine did wholly ruinate.
With gifts the Macedonian did subdue,
Strong Citie gates, and proud Kings ouerthrew.
Sea-men are snar'd with gifts, and golden store;
"Care, growing wealth pursues with thirst of more.
Then (deare Maecenas) well may I detest,
To vaunt my selfe with eleuated crest.
"How much the more, man doth himselfe deny,
"So much the more, the gods will him supply.
I poore in state, seeke those that nought desire,
And, flying, doe from rich mens tents retire,
And better liue, Lord of a slender store,
Then, were I sayed to hold vpon my flore,
What the Apulian painfully hath till'd,
And in great wealth bee poore, and neuer fill'd.
My streame of waters pure, my little Copps;
My certaine hope of happy fruitfull crops,
From him his hidden in my better chance,
Who Empire in rich Affrick doth aduance.
Though mee Calabrian Bees, no Honey giue,
Nor wines in Laestrigonian Flaggons, liue
Till age make good the tast, though no man knowes
That my rich fleece in fertile Gallia growes.
Yet from me, crauing pouertie doth flie;
Nor should I aske you more, will you denie.
I, better will with limitted desire,
Pay Caesar little tributes, then aspire
By greatnesse, to vnite the Phrygian plaine,
To Alliatts ample state, and royall raigne.
"Who much desire, want much: He richly liues
"Whom God, with sparing hand sufficient giues.
Ode XXIV.
Against couetous rich men.
Intactis opulentior.
ALthough you richer bee by farre,
Then th' Arabs Mines vntouch'd, or Indies are:
Though you with deepe pyles, land would gaine,
Eu'n from the Tyrrhene, and large Pontique Maine.
If, on your head sad Fate preuayles,
Transfixing it with Adamantine nayles,
Yet can you not your mind set free,
Or life, from snares of death exempted see.
The sauage Scithyans better liue,
(Who in their Carts, vnconstant dwelling driue)
And rigid Getes, whose common ground
Doth in full store of Corne and Fruits abound.
And loue their tillage to extend,
No longer, then the yearely season's end:
So as, whilst one man weary lies,
A Substitute, him with like paines supplies.
The Step-dame, there, in peacefull aw,
Commands her mother-wanting sonne in law:
Nor wife, though rich, her husband swayes,
Or, to Adult'rer spruce, her selfe betrayes.
"Vertue of Parents, is great Dower,
"And Chastitie restrain'd to Wedlocks power,
"Fearefull of others touch; that knowes
"The breach is sinne, and Death the payment owes.
Oh, hee that would quite take away
All impious slaughters, and each ciuill fray:
If hee the Citie's Father, care
On statues to be stil'd: Ah! let him dare,
(So shall hee future glory gaine)
Loose libertie with bridle to restraine.
But vertue (liuing) we despise,
And much admire it, taken from our eyes.
But what need sad complaints bee spent,
If vice be not cut off with punishment?
What profit Lawes, in vaine compos'd,
Without good liues? If neither Climes expos'd,
To parched heates: Nor Northren starre,
Nor snow hard crusted, can the Merchant scarre:
Wife Marriners, through rough Seas flie,
The greatest imputation (Pouertie)
Bids vs doe that, or suffer this,
Yet doth the painfull way of Vertue misse.
Then goe wee to the Capitall,
Where vulgar voyce, and troupes of friends do call:
Or, in the nearest Sea bee bold,
Our gemms, and precious stones, with fruitlesse gold,
The root of many ills to cast.
If thou wilt fully sinnes repentance tast,
Let this first scope thy thoughts inspire,
To raze the Elements of foule desire:
And in minds tender, apt to ill,
To seeke the sharpest studies to instill:
Youth nobly borde, as yet vn [...]ide,
Feares hunting sport, and speedy horse to ride:
Farre better skill'd Greeke Tops to ply,
Or Dice, which ancient Romane Lawes deny:
Whilst his false Syre, with cunning wi [...]es,
His fellow-neighbour, and his guest beguiles,
And all this, that hee may prepare
Great heapes of riches, for his worthlesse heyre.
"Thus, though vile riches grow: yet will
"Somewhat to our weake state, be wanting still.
Ode XXVIII. To LYDE.
Hee perswadeth Lyde, to spend the day dedicated to Nep [...] [...]
Festo quid potius die.
WHat doe we else on Neptune's Feast?
Bee therefore (Lyde) ready prest,
To broach Caecubian Wines, enclos'd;
And let strong wisedome bee oppos'd.
Thou seest, 'its mid-time of the day,
And yet, as if swi [...]t time did stay,
A Butt, thou spar'st, was Cellar-stalld,
When Bibulus was Consull call'd.
With mutuall Songs, weele Neptune please,
And the greene-hayrd Neretdes.
On crooked Lyre, sing thou with art,
Latona, and swift Cynthia's dart:
Whilst our last straine, her praise vnfolds,
Who Cn [...]dos, and bright Cyclads holds:
And Paphos with payrd Swans doth view;
Yet (Night) weele pay th [...]e Verses due.
Ode XXIX. To MAECENAS.
Hee inviteth him to a merry Supper, laying publiques cares aside.
Tyrrhena regum.
OH my Maecenas, sprung from roy I [...]straine,
Of Tyrrhene Kings; Behold, I doe retaine,
Long since by mee reserued, to be thine,
A vessell, yet vnbroach'd of milder wine;
Soft rosie flowers, for thee I will prepare,
And supple Vnguents, pressed for thy haire.
Then free thee from delay: Nor alwayes yeeld,
To view from farre Aesulus hanging field,
Moyst Tybur's Site: Nor let thy eyes abide,
On hills of Telegon, the Particide.
Leaue off to see, successefull Rome reioyce,
In smoaky hopes, much wealth, and vulgar voyce.
To great men, changes oft times gratefull are:
And vnder humble roofes, neat srugall fare,
Without rich hangings, or gay purple state,
Doth the most busie brow to mirth dilate.
Now bright Andromeda's refulgent Sire,
Shewes to this vnder-world, his hidden fire:
Now Procyon, and the raging Lyon swayes,
Phaebus reducing drie, and parched dayes.
The Shepheard tyr'd, with his faint flock doth hie,
To find cook shades, or trembling current nigh,
And rough Syluanus thickets: while the shore,
Becalmed stands, from wind's tumukuons rore.
Meane time the good of Rome, in mind you beare,
And of her much sollicitous, doe feare
What Seres plot, or Bactria Cyrus state,
Or, Tanais war like-dweller perpetrate.
All-knowing god, with cloudy night doth close
Euents of future times, and laughs at those,
Who beyond reason feare: Thy present state,
See then with equall mind thou moderate.
All other things, like to a Riuer's source,
Who in the middle Ch [...]nnell of his course,
Now to the Tyrrhene Sea in silence strayes;
But when fierce Deluges, calme Riuers raise,
Hee then in heaps rowles down with dreadfull sound
Stones billow-gnawn, & trees torne from the groūd.
With house, and cattell borne along the flood,
Frighting the hill with noyse, & neighbouring wood.
Hee Master of himselfe, liues merry dayes,
Who (this day I haue liu'd) and truely, sayes;
To morrow (Ioue) with black clouds heau'n embrace,
Or let the Sunne shew forth his golden face.
Yet notwithstanding God will not agree,
That what is passed once, shall frustrate bee:
Nor what the once swift-sliding houre hath wrought,
Will he vnfashion'd leaue, or bring to nought.
Fortune in aduerse chances, sportiue euer,
And bold in scornfull pastime to perseuer,
Transferreth he [...] vncertaine honours: Now
To mee propitious, instantly to you.
I praise her, while shee stayes, but if shee shake
Her fleet wings, I restore what I did take:
And mee with my owne vertue, doe invest,
Making thin honest pouertie my guest.
Tis not for mee, inprayer time to wast,
When wracking, Southerne [...]ind hath rent the Mast,
And bargaine with the gods, that the vast floods,
May to their wealth, not add my Tyrian goods:
When I, into such dangerous hazard fall,
The Wind, and [...]ll [...] with his brother, shall
Mee with a poore two-oated Vessells ayd,
See, safely through Aegtian stor [...]es conuayd.
Ode XXX. To MELPOMENE.
Horace hath obtained eternall glory, by writing of Lyrick Verses.
Exegi Monumentum.
A Monument by mee is brought to passe,
Out-liuing Pyramids, or lasting brasse,
The Sepulchre of Kings; which eating raine,
Nor the fierce Northren tempest can restraine:
Nor Yeares (though numberlesse:) nor Times swift start.
I will not wholly die; my better part,
Shall scape the sullen hearse: Bright Fame shall raise
My memory renew'd, with future praise:
While in the Capitoll the Priest ascends,
With Vestalls pure, whom silence so commends.
I (though) of humble straine will be declar'd,
The first, and able most, that euer dar'd,
Vnto Italian Proportion's vse,
Aecolian antique Measures to reduce.
Where Aufidus with wrathfull streame doth rore,
Or Daunus poore in waters, reigneth o're
Rough barbarous Nations. Take to thee a name,
Which best (Melpomene) may sute thy fame.
And (willingly) thy Poet doth request,
My haire with Delphick Lawrell thou inuest.
The End of the third Booke.
ODES OF HORACE.
The Fourth Booke.
Ode III. To MELPOMENE.
Horace is borne to Poetry, by whose ayd, hee hath obtained immortall glory.
Quem tu Melpomene.
ON whom (Melpomene) with mild aspect,
Thou shalt thy fauour at his Birth reflect,
Him; Istmian Labour shall not higher reare
With Wrastlers title, nor swift horses beare
By Grecian Chariot drawne, for Victors mee'd
In pompous triumph; nor for warlike deed,
A Captaine in the Capitoll bee made,
And deck'd with Delian Bayes, who durst inuade,
And breake the swelling threats of hostile Kings:
But rather those soft-falling gentle Springs,
Which wash fat Tybur, and Groues thickly growne,
Shall make his worth in Lyrick Verse be showne.
Rome Queene of Cities, doth no whit disdaine
Mee for the Muses sake to entertaine
Amongst the Poets, loued Quires to sit,
So that I now, am lesse with Enuy bit.
(Oh thou Pierian) which with Harpe of gold,
Dost in sweet notes harmonious ayre vnfold;
(Oh thou) who if thou please, to Fishes mute,
The Swan's delicious Song canst attribute:
It wholly is a gift deriu'd from thee,
That by each finger, which doth passe by me,
The Romane Lyrick Harper they designe.
That I doe breath, and please (if please) is thine.
Ode V. To AVGSTVS.
That now at length he would returne into the Citie.
Diuis orte bonis.
(CAesar.) thou from the gods propitious sprong,
Our best preseruer, stay'st away too long.
Wee promise of thy quicke returne require,
Made to the sacred Senate: Oh retire,
(Good Caesar) on thy Countrey light reflect,
For where thy Spring-like face doth beames eiect,
More ioyfull to the people are the dayes,
And better doth the Sunne, transfuse his rayes.
Like as a Mother (when the Southerne wind,
Her sonne with enuious tempest hath confin'd,
Beyond the billowes of Carpathian Straights
More then a yeare:) His home-returne a waights
With vowes, and prayers; And the gods implores,
Her ey not stirring from the crooked shores.
So strucken with their faithfull heart's desire,
Thy Countrey (Caesar) doth thy selfe require.
Behold the Oxe, safe, wandreth vp and downe;
Ceres, and bright Felicitie doe crowne,
And feed the Land. The Seas are calmer fram'd
For Saylers vse. Faith feareth to be blam'd.
No chast house, with Adulterie's defil'd;
Custome, and Law, hath spotted sinne exil'd.
For Sonnes like Syres, the Mothers we commend.
"Companion punishment doth vice attend.
Who feares the Parthian now, or Scythian bold;
Or Monsters, which rough Germany doth hold.
Or Caesar being safe, who will regard,
That fierce Iberia stands for armes prepar'd?
Each man in his owne hilles, doth close the day,
And Vines about the widow-Elme display.
Then frolike to his banquet hee retires,
And thee a god, in second Cups admires.
With many prayers, he doth his Vowes enflame,
And powres full goblets out vnto thy name;
Thy Godhead seeking with his Lars to please,
As Greece their Caest [...]r, and great Hercules.
(Good Caesar) render long repose we pray,
To glad Hesperia: This wee (sober) say
When day first breaks: This moystned, when to rest
The Sun inuites vs, wa [...]ing in the West.
Ode VII. To LVCIVS MANLIVS TORQVATVS.
Since Time changeth all things, let vs liue merily.
Diffugêre niues.
NOw snows are quite dissolu'd, fresh grasse we see
To fields return'd, and leaues to euery tree.
The earth with various change each season rankes,
And falling Riuers glide within their bankes.
Aglaia dareth (naked) on the ground,
With Nimphes, and her two sisters daunce a-round.
The yeare vs warnes immortall things to doubt,
And Hower, which circumvolues the day about.
Soft Westerne winds, on Winter mildnesse bring,
Soone wither'd Summer, weareth out the Spring,
Then mellow Autumne, powres his fruits amaine,
And instantly dull Winter turnes againe.
Yet speedy Moones celestiall harmes restore
To after times: when wee are gone before,
Where Tullus, good Aeneas, Ancus trade,
Nought are wee else (alas) but dust, and shade.
Who is it knowes, whether the heauenly powers,
Will adde to this dayes summe to morrow's howers.
Your greedy heire in nothing shall haue part,
Which you in life shall giue with bounteous heart.
But when you once are dead, and powers diuine,
To you, an equall sentence shall assigne;
Then (oh Torquatus) blood, nor eloquence,
Nor pietie, can life againe dispense:
For neither chast Hypolitus, was free
By Dian set, from Hells obscuritie;
Nor were Laethean bands, by Theseus
Dissolued, for his deare Pyrithōus.
Ode VIII. To MARTIVS CENSORINVS.
There is nothing which can more immortalize men, then Poets Verses.
Donarem pateras.
TO friends I would giue freely (Censorine)
Pieces of richest Plate, and Bowles for Wine,
Three-footed Tables, (valiant Greekes reward:)
Nor from my choycest gifts should you be barr'd,
Were I with artfull figures richly sped,
Which Parrhase drew, or Scopas pourtrayed.
In colours one, in stone the other bold,
A man sometimes, sometimes a God to mould.
But I haue not this power: Nor doe suppose,
Your wealth, or wish, wants such delights, as those.
You Verses loue, for Verse we make a shift,
And know what price to set on such a guift;
Not Marbles with deepe Characters engrau'd,
By which to valiant Captaines life is sau'd,
And spirit after death: Not speedy flight,
Nor threats of Hanniball, reiected quite:
Not flames of Carthage better sound his praise,
Who did his name from conquer'd Affrick raise,
Then Ennius Muse: Nor can reward bee wonne,
If paper tell not, what was brauely done.
What would become of Mars, and Illia's brood,
If spitefull silence, Romulus withstood?
The strength, and grace of Poets powerfull wit,
Makes Aeacus in fields Elizian sir,
Snatched from Stygian floods. "Muses denie,
A man deseruing praise should euer die.
"Muses giue heau'n: So dauntlesse Hercules,
In loues wish'd Banquets doth his palate please:
Castor and Pollux bright Starre doth redeeme,
Storme-beaten Vessels, which do shipwrack'd seeme.
God Bacchus brow, adorn'd with verdant Vine,
Doth happy end, vnto our vowes assigne.
Ode XIII. To VIRGILL.
Hee describeth the approach of the Spring, and inuiteth Virgil vnder condition to a Banquet.
Iam veris comites.
SOuth winds, the Spring attending still,
Now Seas doe calme, and Sayles doe fill:
Now Frostes doe not make Meadowes hore,
Nor Winter-Snow, swolne Riuers rore.
The lucklesse Bird, her nest doth frame,
Bewayling Itis, and the shame,
Of Cecrops house; and that so ill,
On Kings rude lust, shee wrought her will.
The Shepheards of rich Flocks rehearse,
And to their Pipes chaunt rurall Verse:
And seeke his God-head to appease,
Whom flockes, and hills Arcadian please.
These times doe thirstie Seasons send:
But if (thou Virgill) Caesar's friend,
With press'd Calenian Liquor hie,
For Wine, thou shalt sweet vnguents buy,
And purchase with a little Box,
Wine, which Sulpitius safely locks.
New hopes most powerfull to create,
And bitter ca [...]es to dissipate.
Vnto which comfort, if thou hast,
Come hither with thy Vnguents fast.
I'le not (free cost) my cupps carrotise,
As rich men in a plenteous house.
Then leaue delayes, and Gaine's desire,
And mindfull of blacke Funerall fire,
"Short folly mixe with Councells best.
"Tis sweet, sometime to bee in iest.
Ode XIII. Against LYCE.
Who being olde, it become a scorne to young men.
Audiuere Lyce.
THe gods haue (Lyce) heard my vow,
My vow is heard. Th'art old, yet thou,
Vaine would'st (forsooth) bee counted faire,
And quaffe, and wanton with the ayre:
And (dru [...]e) with trembling voyee invite
Slow Cupid; who [...] more delight,
On Chia's rosie cheekes to stay,
Both young, and skill'd in Musick's lay.
For hee, delay not booking, flies
From wither'd Okes; and from thee hies,
Whom rotten teeth, and wrinckled face,
And head of snowy hayre, disgrace.
Now cannot Coān Purple's vse,
Nor brightest gemms, the Time reduce,
Which once swift-winged Age hath clos'd
In publique Calenders dispos'd.
Where is thy beautie fled? (Ay mee)
Thy colour fresh, and motion free?
What hast thou of that, that entire,
Which earst inspired amorous fire?
And did mee from my selfe diuert;
Next Cynaras, thou happy wert,
For pleasing beautie, and sweet grace,
Discou'red in a louely face.
But Fates to Cynaras did owe,
Short life, and Lyce like the Crowe;
They heere suruiuing longer hold,
That seruent young men may behold.
Not without laughter, and much scorne,
A flaming torch to ashes worne.
Ode XV.
The prayses of Augustus.
Phaebus volentem.
MY Muse by Phebus was rebuk'd of late,
For singing warres, and vanquish'd cities fate:
Like those, who in the Tyrren Ocean's rage,
Doe little Sayles aduance. (Caesar) thy age,
Affoordeth plenteous fruits, vnto the fields,
And to Ioues Capitoll our Ensignes yeelds,
From Parthian Pillars snatch'd, and after iarres
Hath closed Ianus Temple free from warres.
Confusion hath with Order rectifi'd,
And wandring Libertie in fetters ty'd.
Hath antique arts recall'd: By which tis knowne
Hesperia's strength and Latine name hath growne.
Imperiall pompe hath spred, and glory wonne,
Stretcht from the rising, to the setting Sunne.
While Caesar is our Guardian, ciuill warre,
Nor violence, our peacefull rest, shall marre.
Not anger, which swords sharpeneth, and confounds
Cities, vnhappy made with mutuall wounds.
Not they for thirst, that drinke in Ister deepe,
Shall once refuse, the Iulian Lawes to keepe.
Not Seres, faithlesse Persians, nor the Getes,
Nor those, which neere to Tanais haue their seats.
And wee on holy Eeues, and holy Dayes,
Amongst free Cupps, to merry Bacchus prayse:
With wife, and children, standing in our sight.
(First Gods inuoking with religious Rite)
Will gladly (as our grandsires did) rehearse,
(And tuning Lydian Pipe to various Verse,)
Heroique Captaines, Troy, Anobise [...]gone,
And braue Aeneas, Cytherea's sonne.
The end of the fourth Booke.
CERTAINE EPODS OF HORACE
Epod I. To MAECEMAS.
Horace will wa [...] [...] M [...]ccn [...], going to the Actiack war [...] agains [...] M [...] Anthony.
I [...]i [...] lib [...]nis.
IN low built [...]arkes, thou wilt not faile,
'Mongst loftie tow [...]ing Ships to s [...]yle;
And dost (Macenas) much e [...]cline,
To make great Caesar's p [...]rill thi [...].
What shall wee doe? Whose life is blest,
If thou surniue: If not, distrest.
Shall wee (commanded) idle bee:
Repose is toyle, if not with thee.
Or shall wee vndergoe these paynes,
With minds which no soft ease restraines?
Wee will? And through the Alpes ascent,
And Caucasus, where none frequent:
Yea to the vtmost Westerne parts,
Will follow thee, with constant hearts.
You'le aske; How can thy labour please,
Vntrayn'd in armes, and weake with ease?
"In company, Feares little seeme,
Which men in absence, great esteeme.
As Bird, her plumelesse young ones, left,
More feares to find by Serpents rest;
Not that shee can with presence, bring
Force able to resist the sting.
This warrfare will I vndertake,
Or any other, for thy sake.
Not that my many Ploughes are found,
With Oxen more, to till the ground.
Or Beasts to Lucan Meads are sent,
Calabrian feruors to preuent.
Nor Tusculum, my Village cleare,
May to Circaean walls, come neare.
Thy fauour mee enough hath stoar'd,
Which I, as Chremes will not [...]oard
Within the earth, nor euer shall
Spend like a wastfull prodigall.
Epod II.
The praise of the Countrey life.
Beatus ille qui procul negotijs.
HEe happy is, who farre from busie toyle,
(As elder ages) tills the soyle
With his owne Cattle, which his father left,
From thralling interest bereft.
Hee is n̄ot moou'd, when warlike Drumms doe beat,
Nor feares the angry Ocean's threat.
Hee Pleas, and Suits abhorres, and doth refuse,
The grace of mightie men to vse.
But either doth to tallest Poplars twine,
The tender off-springs of the Vine.
And cutting branches off, which vselesse were,
Graft those, which better fruit may beare.
Or, vieweth in some winding valley's maze,
His wand'ring Heards of Cattle, graze.
Or, doth press'd honey in pure vessells keepe,
Or, sheare his wooll o're-burdned sheepe.
But when with mellow fruit ripe Autumne crown'd,
His head vpreareth from the ground.
How he to tast the grafted Peare delights,
And grape, that with the Purple fights.
Which to Priapus, as a gift redounds,
Or, old Siluanus, God of Bounds.
Now vnder aged Oke, hee howers doth passe,
And now reposeth on the grasse.
While gentle Riuers from high bankes doe glide,
And Birds their warbling notes diuide:
Small streames, on purling pibbles murmure keepe,
To summon soft, and easie sleepe.
But when lowd loue, rough Winter sends below,
In stormy showres, and chilling snow.
Then hee the hardy Bore, from place to place,
With Fleet-Hounds, into Toyles doth chace:
Or else, the fearefull Hare, and fortaine Crane
With pleasing spoyle, in grinns are ta'ne.
Ah! who in thought, 'mongst such delights retaines
Least sense, of loue's disturbing paines?
But if (in part) a modest wife direct
The house, and children deare affect.
As Sabine earst, or swift Apuli [...]'s dame,
Parched with tawney Phebus [...]la [...]e,
With old dry w [...]od, a bless'd fire make to burne,
'Gainst weary husband's wish'd returne:
And folding glad some stocks in wouen grates,
Dryes vp their dugges, which milke dil [...]es;
And broaching new wines kept in vessells faire,
An (vnbought) Supper doth prepare.
The L [...]trine Oyster (sure) not G [...]i [...]head bright,
Nor Turbot, ye [...]ldeth more delight;
If Winter such, when Easterne tempests rore,
Doe driue vpon our Terrhene shore.
Ionick Partriges, not Affrick Quaile,
Vpon my palate more preuaile,
Then doth the vnctuous Oliue choycely cull'd,
From fertile Branches newly pull'd:
Or Sorrell that in Meadowes doth abound,
And Mellowes, bodies making sound.
Or Lambe, on Terminus his Feast th [...]t dies,
Or Kidd redeem'd, from Wolfe's surprise.
Amongst these dainties, what content it yeelds,
To see the fed-stocks leaue the fields.
To see the weary O [...]e with neck worne ba [...]e,
Dregging the turned plough and share:
And Hinds (the plenteous houshold swarme)
'Bout shining L [...]rs to sit, and warme.
This sayd, rich Al [...]hins that money lends,
To lead a Countrey life intends;
And in the Ides his De [...] call'd in amaine,
But in the Calends lent againe.
Epod VII. To the people of ROME.
An Exetration of the ci [...]ill warre, raised, on the one side by B [...]u [...] [...] Cassius; [...] the other, by Octauian, M. Anthony, and Lepidu [...] the Roman Cons [...]lls.
Quo, quo scelesti.
AH Tr [...]ytors, whither hast you? To what end,
Do your right hāds, to shethed swords descend?
Is there so little yet, of Latine blood,
Powr'd on the Champaine fields, or Ocean flood?
Not that the Roman should with flames abate,
The Towers of Carthage, [...]ous of our state:
Or Britton should (vnconquered to this day)
Bee taught, [...] chaln [...] to [...]ead the Pacred way.
But that (which now [...]lie Pa [...]hian would de [...]nd)
This Citie should bee [...] by ciuill hand.
'Mongst Wol [...]s, and Lyons neuer was this vse,
But beasts, whom nature diffrent doth produce.
Doth Fury blind? Or greater power command?
Or sinne's offence? Oh let me vnderstand?
They silent are: Th [...] [...]
And feares their horror-strucken minds inuade.
'Tis so: Sowre [...]ates doe Rome with fury staine,
And tyrannous offence of brother flame.
Which on ensuing ages layd the guilt,
When Remus harmlesse blood on earth was spilt.
Epod. XIII.
To his merry fri [...]ds, that they should passe the W [...]er [...]
H [...]rida tempestas.
ROugh tempests haue the brow of heauen bent,
And showres, and snowe [...], cause thi [...] [...]e's des [...]ent.
Now Thracian Northwinds, Sea, and woods affray.
Friends, let vs take occasion, from the day;
While strength is fresh, and vs it well becomes,
Let Age be lightned, which the brow benummes.
Boy, see you broach those elder wines were press'd,
When Torquate first, the Consull's place possess'd.
Speake not of other things. God will perchance,
These to their seat, with happy change aduance.
Vnguents of Persian Odours, now delight;
Cares driuing with Cylenian Harpe to flight;
As noble Chiron to Achilles sang.
Vnvanquish'd Mortall, that from Thetis sprang,
Thee Troy expects; which Simois rowling Tyde,
And small Scamander's colder streames diuide,
Whence to returne, so Fates thy threed vndoe,
Thou canst not back with thy blew Mother goe.
All Sorrow there, with wine, and Song depresse,
(Sweet comforts, of deformed heauinesse.)
The end of the Epods.