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 |
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 | The works of Horace, translated into verse |  |
123
ODE XXXIV. TO HIMSELF.
He repents, that following the Epicureans, he had been wanting in his zeal to the Gods.
In Jove's high temple at the best,
While mad philosophy my mind pursu'd,
I now must shift my sail, and have my course renew'd.
For lo! the sempiternal sire
(Who us'd to cleave with brandish'd fire
The clouds, as I conceiv'd) of late was seen,
With car and thund'ring horses in the clear serene.
Which the still earth and floods that flow,
And horrid Tænarus below,
And those Atlantic bounds compels to quake;
'Tis God, and God alone pre-eminent can make
The depths emerge, the mighty poor;
'Tis he, that brings to light th'obscure—
And fortune, at his bidding takes a crown,
Here proudly sets it up, there sternly throws it down.
| The works of Horace, translated into verse | |