13.07.2015 Views

Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

CATO33. Since our frail life through dangers sure mustrun,Count every day that comes as something won.34. Yield to your mate some points you well mightscoreCompliance keeps your friends attached themore.35. In mighty aims small cost you must not spare ;For those whom triHes cramp high fame is rare.36. Beware of strife <strong>with</strong> one close linked to thee :Anger breeds hate, love feeds on harmonv.37. If, stung by slaves' misdeeds, you've angry grown,Control yourself <strong>and</strong> so hurt not your own.38. Sometimes put up <strong>with</strong> him you might beatdownOf human virtues patience is the crown.39. What you have won conserve at cost of pains :Want must increase, when labour brings nogains.40. Though sometimes on your friends you lavishgear,In giving always to yourself keep near."BOOK IIIf perchance you fain would acquaint yourself<strong>with</strong> farming, read Virgil ; but if your strugglerather is to know the virtue of herbs, this is thepoetry that Macer ^ offers you ; if you long to know" The self-regarding morality of this distich advises thegenerous man never to depart too far from his own interest.* The didactic poet Aemilius Macer of Verona (d. 16 b.c.)wrote a work De Ilerbis (Ovid, Trisl. lY. x. 43-44).603

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!