The works of Horace, translated into verse With a prose interpretation, for the help of students. And occasional notes. By Christopher Smart ... In four volumes |
 | I. |
| II. |
| III. |
 | IV. |
| 1. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. | EPISTLE IV. To Albius Tibullus. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| 2. |
 | The works of Horace, translated into verse |  |
35
EPISTLE IV. To Albius Tibullus.
He addresses Albius Tibullus, to whom he seems to commend the study of Philosophy, and recount the talents with which he was adorned from heaven.
Mild judge of my prosaic lays,
Can I account for your odd turn,
Who in Pedanian groves sojourn:
Are you now writing to out-please
The works of Cassius, or at ease,
And silence, range the healthy wood,
Studious of all things wise and good?
Thou 'rt not a form without a heart,
For heav'n was gracious to impart
A goodly person, fine estate,
Made for fruition, fortunate.
What more for her most fav'rite boy,
Cou'd a nurse image, to enjoy,
Than to be wise, and ably taught,
To speak aloud his noble thought,
To whom grace, fame, and body sound,
Might to pre-eminence abound,
With table of ingenious fare,
And purse with money still to spare?
37
Think every day the last of life.
Beyond your wish some happy day,
Shall come your grief to over-pay.
Me sleek and fat, as fat can be,
I hope you'll shortly come to see:
When you've a mind to laugh indeed
At pigs of the Lucretian breed.
| The works of Horace, translated into verse | |