The works of Horace : with English notes, critical and ... - Cristo Raul

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EXPLANATORY NOTES. BOOK III., ODE I. 339
thought, commencing with the third stanza, is as follows : Neither extensive
possessions, nor elevated birth, nor purity of character, nor crowds
of dependents, are in themselves sufficient to procare lasting felicity, since
death sooner or later mnst close the scene, and bring all our schemes of
interest and ambition to an end.
17-31. 17. Destrictus ensis. An allusion to the well-known stoiy of
Damocles. The connection in the train of iSeaa between this and the preceding
stanza is as follows ; Independently of the stern necessity of death,
the wealthy and the powerful are. prevented by the cares of riches and
ambition from attaining to the happiness which they seek.i—18. Non SicU'
la dopes, &c. " The most exquisite viands will create no pleasing relish
in him, over whose impious neck," &c. The expression Sicula dapes is
equivalent here to exqmsiiitsiiruB epula. The luxury of the Sicilians in
their banquets became proverbial.—20. Avium eithareeque cantus. " The
melody of birds and of the lyre."— 24. Non Zephyris agitata Tempe.
" She disdains not Tempe, fanned by the breezes of the west." Tempe
is here put for any beautiful