The Odes/Book II/20

Book II, 19: To Bacchus

The Odes Book II, 20: Poetic Immortality written by Horace

Book III, 1: Odi Profanum

Translated by A. S. Kline

Poetic Immortality         A poet of dual form, I won’t be carried through the flowing air on weak or mundane wings, nor will I linger down here on earth, for any length of time: beyond envy,   I’ll leave the cities behind. It’s not I, born of poor parents, it’s not I, who hear your voice, beloved Maecenas, I who’ll die, or be encircled by Stygian waters.   Even now the rough skin is settling around my ankles, and now above them I’ve become a snow-white swan, and soft feathers are emerging over my arms and shoulders.   Soon, a melodious bird, and more famous than Icarus, Daedalus’ son, I’ll visit Bosphorus’ loud shores, Gaetulian Syrtes, and the Hyperborean plains.   Colchis will know me, so will the Scythians, who pretend to show no fear of Italian troops, and the Geloni: Spain will learn from me, the expert, and those who drink Rhone.   No dirges at my insubstantial funeral, no elegies, and no unseemly grieving: suppress all the clamour, not for me the superfluous honour of a tomb.   ...