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

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BOOK 11.
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Satire T. Oar aathor, obaervingf that many persons were irritated and
alarmed by the licence of his satiric mnse, states the case to his aged
friend, the lawyer Trebatins, who had been known as a professed wit in
the age of Cicero, and who hamoroasly dissuades him from again venturing
on the composition of satires. The poet, however, resolves to per^
severe, and, in pleading his cause, indulges in his natural disposition for
satire and ridicule with his wonted freedom.
1-8. 1. Et ultra legem tendere opus. "And to push this species of
writing beyond its proper limits." Legem is here equivalent, in spirit, to
normam or regulam, i. e., the laws or rules of this species of composition,
and the simple verb tendere is employed by the poet for the compound
extenderCt *' to stretch," i. e., to push ; a metaphor borrowed from bending
a bow or straining a cord.—3. Bine riewis. " Without force," i. e., having,
as it were, no strings to be stretched. {Keightley, ad /oc.)—4. Ded^id
posse. " Might be spun." Veduci is a metaphorical expression taken
from spinning wool, and drawing down the thread. Trebati. The poet
is here supposed to address himself to C. Trebatins Testa, a distinguished
lawyer, and a man well known for his wit. Qfaiescas. "Write ni
more." Begin now to keep quiet, and put an end to thy satirical efiusimifi.
Supply, for a literal translation, prcescribo ut^ "I advise that thou keep
qniet."—6. Aio. The poet here very pleasantly makes use of another
expression peculiar to the lawyers of thti day. Thus, when they affirmedfF
it was Aio; when they denied, Negoj and when the point required deliberation,
their form of reply was Deliberandum, sentio.—7. Srat. The
Latin and English idioms differ here. We translate erat as if it were
esseit whereas, in the original, the advantage referred to is spoken of as
somethuig actual, in the indicative mood, though the circumstances which
would have realized it never have taken place. Compare Heindorf, ad
Plat., Phad.^ $ 35. Verum nsqueo dormire. The sentence is elliptical,
and, when completed, will run as follows : "But I can't sleep at night,
and, therefore, to fill up the time, I write verses." Ter uncti transnanto,
&c. " Let those who stand in need of deep repose, having anointed themselvea,
swim thrice across the Tiber." Some commentators suppose
that the anointing with oil, which is here alluded to, is recommended in
the present instance in order to give more pliancy to the limbs in swimming.
It would seem, however, to refer rather to the B^man gymnastic
exercises, preparation for which was always made by anointing the body,
and which were generally succeeded by swimming. Hence the advice
which Trebatins gives the poet is simply this, to go through a coarse of
gymnastic exercises, then swim thrice across the Tiber, and, lastly, end
the day with plenty of wine [Irfiguumque mero sub noctem, &.C.). These
directions on the part of Trebatins are intended to have a sly allusion to
his own habits, and, like an honest, good-natured physician, he is made to
prescribe for Horace two things which he himself loved best, swimming