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. |
V. |
VI. |
VII. |
VIII. | EPISTLE VIII. To Celsus Albinovanus. |
IX. |
X. |
XI. |
XII. |
XIII. |
XIV. |
XV. |
XVI. |
XVII. |
XVIII. |
XIX. |
XX. |
2. |
The works of Horace, translated into verse | ||
69
EPISTLE VIII. To Celsus Albinovanus.
Writing to Celsus he wou'd have him admonished by the Muse to bear his good fortune with moderation and decency.
Wish thou all joy and good success,
Who now with Nero has found grace,
And got his secretary's place.
Shou'd he enquire about my state,
Tell him my threats are fair and great;
But for performance on my plan
Am not a good nor happy man—
Not that the hail my vines has marr'd,
Or frosts destroy'd my olive-yard,
Nor dies my heifer, or my goat
With murrain out in fields remote,
But that diseas'd with more defect
Of mind, than body, I object
To hear or learn things for my ease,
And faithful doctors salves displease;
I'm angry with the friends that strive
To make this drowsy corpse alive;
71
At Rome I still for Tibur sigh,
At Tibur sickle, as the wind,
I for the city am inclin'd.
Next mind to ask him, how he wears,
How goes himself and his affairs:
How with the noble youth he stands,
And with the cohort, he commands:
Give him much joy, if all be well,
Then in his ear this precept tell—
“Bear thou good luck with meekness due;
“And so your friends shall bear with you.”
The works of Horace, translated into verse | ||