The Odes/Book II/17

Book II, 16: Contentment

The Odes Book II, 17: We’ll Go Together written by Horace

Book II, 18: Vain Riches

Translated by A. S. Kline Latin original text - French Ulysse de Séguier's translation

We’ll Go Together Why do you stifle me with your complaining? It’s neither the gods’ idea nor mine to die before you, Maecenas, you’re the great glory, and pillar of my existence.   Ah, if some premature blow snatches away half of my spirit, why should the rest remain, no longer as loved, nor surviving entire? That day shall lead us to ruin   together. I’m not making some treacherous promise: whenever you lead the way, let’s go, let’s go, prepared as friends to set out, you and I, to try the final journey.   No Chimaera’s fiery breath will ever tear me from you, or if he should rise against me hundred handed Gyas: that’s the will of all-powerful Justice and the Fates.   Whether Libra or fearful Scorpio shone more powerfully on me at my natal hour, or Capricorn, which is the ruler of the waters that flow round Italy,   our stars were mutually aspected in their marvellous way. Jupiter’s protection shone, brighter for you than baleful Saturn, and rescued you, and held back the rapid   wings of Fate, that day when the people crowding the theatre, three times broke into wild applause: I’d have received the trunk of a tree on my head, if Faunus, the guardian   of Mercurial poets, hadn’t warded off the blow with his hand. So remember to make due offering: you build a votive shrine: I’ll come and sacrifice a humble lamb.   ...