To Maecenas.
The poet renounces1 all verses of a ludicrous turn, and resolves to apply himself wholly to the study of philosophy, which teaches to bridle3 the desires, and to postpone4 every thing to virtue5.
Maecenas, the subject of my earliest song, justly entitled to my latest, dost thou seek to engage me again in the old lists, having been tried sufficiently6, and now presented with the foils? My age is not the same, nor is my genius. Veianius, his arms consecrated7 on a pillar of Hercules’ temple, lives snugly9 retired10 in the country, that he may not from the extremity11 of the sandy amphitheater so often supplicate12 the people’s favor. Some one seems frequently to ring in my purified ear: “Wisely in time dismiss the aged13 courser, lest, an object of derision, he miscarry at last, and break his wind.” Now therefore I lay aside both verses, and all other sportive matters; my study and inquiry14 is after what is true and fitting, and I am wholly engaged in this: I lay up, and collect rules which I may be able hereafter to bring into use. And lest you should perchance ask under what leader, in what house [of philosophy], I enter myself a pupil: addicted15 to swear implicitly16 to the ipse-dixits of no particular master, wherever the weather drives me, I am carried a guest. One while I become active, and am plunged17 in the waves of state affairs, a maintainer and a rigid18 partisan19 of strict virtue; then again I relapse insensibly into Aristippus’ maxims21, and endeavor to adapt circumstances to myself, not myself to circumstances. As the night seems long to those with whom a mistress has broken her appointment, and the day slow to those who owe their labor22; as the year moves lazy with minors23, whom the harsh guardianship24 of their mothers confines; so all that time to me flows tedious and distasteful, which delays my hope and design of strenuously26 executing that which is of equal benefit to the poor and to the rich, which neglected will be of equal detriment27 to young and to old. It remains28, that I conduct and comfort myself by these principles; your sight is not so piercing as that of Lynceus; you will not however therefore despise being anointed, if you are sore-eyed: nor because you despair of the muscles of the invincible29 Glycon, will you be careless of preserving your body from the knotty30 gout. There is some point to which we may reach, if we can go no further. Does your heart burn with avarice31, and a wretched desire of more? Spells there are, and incantations, with which you may mitigate33 this pain, and rid yourself of a great part of the distemper. Do you swell34 with the love of praise? There are certain purgations which can restore you, a certain treatise35, being perused36 thrice with purity of mind. The envious37, the choleric38, the indolent, the slave to wine, to women — none is so savage40 that he can not be tamed, if he will only lend a patient ear to discipline.
It is virtue, to fly vice41; and the highest wisdom, to have lived free from folly42. You see with what toil43 of mind and body you avoid those things which you believe to be the greatest evils, a small fortune and a shameful44 repulse45. An active merchant, you run to the remotest Indies, fleeing poverty through sea, through rocks, through flames. And will you not learn, and hear, and be advised by one who is wiser, that you may no longer regard those things which you foolishly admire and wish for? What little champion of the villages and of the streets would scorn being crowned at the great Olympic games, who had the hopes and happy opportunity of victory without toil? Silver is less valuable than gold, gold than virtue. “O citizens, citizens, money is to be sought first; virtue after riches:” this the highest Janus from the lowest inculcates; young men and old repeat these maxims, having their bags and account-books hung on the left arm. You have soul, have breeding, have eloquence48 and honor: yet if six or seven thousand sesterces be wanting to complete your four hundred thousand, you shall be a plebeian49. But boys at play cry, “You shall be king, if you will do right.” Let this be a [man’s] brazen50 wall, to be conscious of no ill, to turn pale with no guilt51. Tell me, pray is the Roscian law best, or the boy’s song which offers the kingdom to them that do right, sung by the manly52 Curii and Camilli? Does he advise you best, who says, “Make a fortune; a fortune, if you can, honestly; if not, a fortune by any means”— that you may view from a nearer bench the tear-moving poems of Puppius; or he, who still animates53 and enables you to stand free and upright, a match for haughty54 fortune?
If now perchance the Roman people should ask me, why I do not enjoy the same sentiments with them, as [I do the same] porticoes56, nor pursue or fly from whatever they admire or dislike; I will reply, as the cautious fox once answered the sick lion: “Because the foot-marks all looking toward you, and none from you, affright me.” Thou art a monster with many heads. For what shall I follow, or whom? One set of men delight to farm the public revenues: there are some, who would inveigle57 covetous58 widows with sweet-meats and fruits, and insnare old men, whom they would send [like fish] into their ponds: the fortunes of many grow by concealed59 usury60. But be it, that different men are engaged in different employments and pursuits: can the same persons continue an hour together approving the same things? If the man of wealth has said, “No bay in the world outshines delightful61 Baiae,” the lake and the sea presently feel the eagerness of their impetuous master: to whom, if a vicious humor gives the omen39, [he will cry,]—“tomorrow, workmen, ye shall convey hence your tools to Teanum.” Has he in his hall the genial62 bed? He says nothing is preferable to, nothing better than a single life. If he has not, he swears the married only are happy. With what noose63 can I hold this Proteus, varying thus his forms? What does the poor man? Laugh [at him too]: is he not forever changing his garrets, beds, baths, barbers? He is as much surfeited64 in a hired boat, as the rich man is, whom his own galley67 conveys.
If I meet you with my hair cut by an uneven68 barber, you laugh [at me]: if I chance to have a ragged69 shirt under a handsome coat, or if my disproportioned gown fits me ill, you laugh. What [do you do], when my judgment70 contradicts itself? it despises what it before desired; seeks for that which lately it neglected; is all in a ferment71, and is inconsistent in the whole tenor72 of life; pulls down, builds up, changes square to round. In this case, you think I am mad in the common way, and you do not laugh, nor believe that I stand in need of a physician, or of a guardian25 assigned by the praetor; though you are the patron of my affairs, and are disgusted at the ill-pared nail of a friend that depends upon you, that reveres74 you.
In a word, the wise man is inferior to Jupiter alone, is rich, free, honorable, handsome, lastly, king of kings; above all, he is sound, unless when phlegm is troublesome.
Epistle ii.
To Lollius.
He prefers Homer to all the philosophers, as a moral writer, and advises an early cultivation75 of virtue.
While you, great Lollius, declaim at Rome, I at Praeneste have perused over again the writer of the Trojan war; who teaches more clearly, and better than Chrysippus and Crantor, what is honorable, what shameful, what profitable, what not so. If nothing hinders you, hear why I have thus concluded. The story is which, on account of Paris’s intrigue77, Greece is stated to be wasted in a tedious war with the barbarians78, contains the tumults79 of foolish princes and people. Antenor gives his opinion for cutting off the cause of the war. What does Paris? He can not be brought to comply, [though it be in order] that he may reign80 safe, and live happy. Nestor labors81 to compose the differences between Achilles and Agamemnon: love inflames83 one; rage both in common. The Greeks suffer for what their princes act foolishly. Within the walls of Ilium, and without, enormities are committed by sedition84, treachery, injustice85, and lust86, and rage.
Again, to show what virtue and what wisdom can do, he has propounded87 Ulysses an instructive pattern: who, having subdued88 Troy, wisely got an insight into the constitutions and customs of many nations; and, while for himself and his associates he is contriving89 a return, endured many hardships on the spacious90 sea, not to be sunk by all the waves of adversity. You are well acquainted with the songs of the Sirens, and Circe’s cups: of which, if he had foolishly and greedily drunk along with his attendants, he had been an ignominious91 and senseless slave under the command of a prostitute: he had lived a filthy92 dog, or a hog93 delighting in mire47.
We are a mere94 number and born to consume the fruits of the earth; like Penelope’s suitors, useless drones; like Alcinous’ youth, employed above measure in pampering95 their bodies; whose glory was to sleep till mid-day, and to lull96 their cares to rest by the sound of the harp97. Robbers rise by night, that they may cut men’s throats; and will not you awake to save yourself? But, if you will not when you are in health, you will be forced to take exercise when you are in a dropsy; and unless before day you call for a book with a light, unless you brace98 your mind with study and honest employments, you will be kept awake and tormented99 with envy or with love. For why do you hasten to remove things that hurt your eyes, but if any thing gnaws101 your mind, defer102 the time of curing it from year to year? He has half the deed done, who has made a beginning. Boldly undertake the study of true wisdom: begin it forthwith. He who postpones104 the hour of living well, like the hind76 [in the fable], waits till [all the water in] the river be run off: whereas it flows, and will flow, ever rolling on.
Money is sought, and a wife fruitful in bearing children, and wild woodlands are reclaimed105 by the plow106. [To what end all this?] He, that has got a competency, let him wish for no more. Not a house and farm, nor a heap of brass107 and gold, can remove fevers from the body of their sick master, or cares from his mind. The possessor must be well, if he thinks of enjoying the things which he has accumulated. To him that is a slave to desire or to fear, house and estate do just as much good as paintings to a sore-eyed person, fomentations to the gout, music to ears afflicted108 with collected matter. Unless the vessel109 be sweet, whatever you pour into it turns sour. Despise pleasures, pleasure bought with pain is hurtful. The covetous man is ever in want; set a certain limit to your wishes. The envious person wastes at the thriving condition of another: Sicilian tyrants110 never invented a greater torment100 than envy. He who will not curb111 his passion, will wish that undone112 which his grief and resentment113 suggested, while he violently plies114 his revenge with unsated rancor115. Rage is a short madness. Rule your passion, which commands, if it do not obey; do you restrain it with a bridle, and with fetters116. The groom117 forms the docile118 horse, while his neck is yet tender, to go the way which his rider directs him: the young hound, from the time that he barked at the deer’s skin in the hall, campaigns it in the woods. Now, while you are young, with an untainted mind Imbibe119 instruction: now apply yourself to the best [masters of morality]. A cask will long preserve the flavor, with which when new it was once impregnated. But if you lag behind, or vigorously push on before, I neither wait for the loiterer, nor strive to overtake those that precede me.
Epistle iii.
To Julius Florus.
After inquiring about Claudius Tiberius Nero, and some of his friends, he exhorts121 Florus to the study of philosophy.
I long to know, Julius Florus, in what regions of the earth Claudius, the step-son of Augustus, is waging war. Do Thrace and Hebrus, bound with icy chains, or the narrow sea running between the neighboring towers, or Asia’s fertile plains and hills detain you? What works is the studious train planning? In this too I am anxious — who takes upon himself to write the military achievements of Augustus? Who diffuses122 into distant ages his deeds in war and peace? What is Titius about, who shortly will be celebrated123 by every Roman tongue; who dreaded124 not to drink of the Pindaric spring, daring to disdain125 common waters and open streams: how does he do? How mindful is he of me? Does he employ himself to adapt Theban measures to the Latin lyre, under the direction of his muse126? Or does he storm and swell in the pompous127 style of traffic art? What is my Celsus doing? He has been advised, and the advice is still often to be repeated, to acquire stock of his own, and forbear to touch whatever writings the Palatine Apollo has received: lest, if it chance that the flock of birds should some time or other come to demand their feathers, he, like the daw stripped of his stolen colors, be exposed to ridicule129. What do you yourself undertake? What thyme are you busy hovering130 about? Your genius is not small, is not uncultivated nor inelegantly rough. Whether you edge your tongue for [pleading] causes, or whether you prepare to give counsel in the civil law, or whether you compose some lovely poem; you will bear off the first prize of the victorious131 ivy132. If now you could quit the cold fomentations of care; whithersoever heavenly wisdom would lead you, you would go. Let us, both small and great, push forward in this work, in this pursuit: if to our country, if to ourselves we would live dear.
You must also write me word of this, whether Munatiua is of as much concern to you as he ought to be? Or whether the ill-patched reconciliation133 in vain closes, and is rent asunder134 again? But, whether hot blood, or inexperience in things, exasperates135 you, wild as coursers with unsubdued neck, in whatever place you live, too worthy136 to break the fraternal bond, a devoted137 heifer is feeding against your return.
Epistle iv.
To Albius Tibullus.
He declares his accomplishments138; and, after proposing the thought of death, converts it into an occasion of pleasantry.
Albius, thou candid139 critic of my discourses140, what shall I say you are now doing in the country about Pedum? Writing what may excel the works of Cassius Parmensis; or sauntering silently among the healthful groves142, concerning yourself about every thing worthy a wise and good man? You were not a body without a mind. The gods have given you a beautiful form, the gods [have given] you wealth, and the faculty143 of enjoying it.
What greater blessing144 could a nurse solicit145 for her beloved child, than that he might be wise, and able to express his sentiments; and that respect, reputation, health might happen to him in abundance, and decent living, with a never-failing purse?
In the midst of hope and care, in the midst of fears and disquietudes, think every day that shines upon you is the last. [Thus] the hour, which shall not be expected, will come upon you an agreeable addition.
When you have a mind to laugh, you shall see me fat and sleek146 with good keeping, a hog of Epicurus’ herd147.
Epistle v.
To Torquatus.
He invites him to a frugal148 entertainment, but a cleanly and cheerful one.
If you can repose149 yourself as my guest upon Archias’ couches, and are not afraid to make a whole meal on all sorts of herbs from a moderate dish; I will expect you, Torquatus, at my house about sun set. You shall drink wine poured into the vessel in the second consulship150 of Taurus, produced between the fenny151 Minturnae and Petrinum of Sinuessa. If you have any thing better, send for it; or bring your commands. Bright shines my hearth152, and my furniture is clean for you already. Dismiss airy hopes, and contests about riches, and Moschus’ cause. To-morrow, a festal day on account of Caesar’s birth, admits of indulgence and repose. We shall have free liberty to prolong the summer evening with friendly conversation. To what purpose have I fortune, if I may not use it? He that is sparing out of regard to his heir, and too niggardly153, is next neighbor to a madman. I will begin to drink and scatter154 flowers, and I will endure even to be accounted foolish. What does not wine freely drunken enterprise? It discloses secrets; commands our hopes to be ratified155; pushes the dastard156 on to the fight; removes the pressure from troubled minds; teaches the arts. Whom have not plentiful157 cups made eloquent158? Whom have they not [made] free and easy under pinching poverty?
I, who am both the proper person and not unwilling159, am charged to take care of these matters; that no dirty covering on the couch, no foul160 napkin contract your nose into wrinkles; and that the cup and the dish may show you to yourself; that there be no one to carry abroad what is said among faithful friends; that equals may meet and be joined with equals I will add to you Butra, and Septicius, and Sabinus, unless a better entertainment and a mistress more agreeable detain him. There is room also for many introductions: but goaty ramminess is offensive in over-crowded companies.
Do you write word, what number you would be; and setting aside business, through the back-door give the slip to your client who keeps guard in your court.
Epistle vi.
To Numicius.
That a wise man is in love with nothing but virtue.
To admire nothing is almost the one and only thing, Numicius, which can make and keep a man happy. There are who view this sun, and the stars, and the seasons retiring at certain periods, untainted with any fear. What do you think of the gifts of the earth? What of the sea, that enriches the remote Arabians and Indians? What of scenical shows, the applause and favors of the kind Roman? In what manner do you think they are to be looked upon, with what apprehensions163 and countenance164? He that dreads165 the reverse of these, admires them almost in the same way as he that desires them; fear alike disturbs both ways: an unforeseen turn of things equally terrifies each of them: let a man rejoice or grieve, desire or fear; what matters it — if, whatever he perceives better or worse than his expectations, with downcast look he be stupefied in mind and body? Let the wise man bear the name of fool, the just of unjust; if he pursue virtue itself beyond proper bounds.
Go now, look with transport upon silver, and antique marble, and brazen statues, and the arts: admire gems166, and Tyrian dyes: rejoice, that a thousand eyes are fixed167 upon you while you speak: industrious168 repair early to the forum169, late to your house, that Mutus may not reap more grain [than you] from his lands gained in dowry, and (unbecoming, since he sprung from meaner parents) that he may not be an object of admiration170 to you rather than you to him. Whatever is in the earth, time will bring forth103 into open day light; will bury and hide things, that now shine brightest. When Agrippa’s portico55, and the Appian way, shall have beheld171 you well known; still it remains for you to go where Numa and Ancus are arrived. If your side or your reins173 are afflicted with an acute disease, seek a remedy from the disease. Would you live happily? Who would not? If virtue alone can confer this, discarding pleasures, strenuously pursue it. Do you think virtue mere words, as a grove141 is trees? Be it your care that no other enter the port before you; that you lose not your traffic with Cibyra, with Bithynia. Let the round sum of a thousand talents be completed; as many more; further, let a third thousand succeed, and the part which may square the heap. For why, sovereign money gives a wife with a [large] portion, and credit, and friends, and family, and beauty; and [the goddesses], Persuasion174 and Venus, graced the well-moneyed man. The king of the Cappadocians, rich in slaves, is in want of coin; be not you like him. Lucullus, as they say, being asked if he could lend a hundred cloaks for the stage, “How can I so many?” said he: “yet I will see, and send as many as I have;” a little after he writes that he had five thousand cloaks in his house; they might take part of them, or all. It is a scanty175 house, where there are not many things superfluous176, and which escape the owner’s notice, and are the gain of pilfering177 slaves. If then wealth alone can make and keep a man happy, be first in beginning this work, be last in leaving it off. If appearances and popularity make a man fortunate, let as purchase a slave to dictate178 [to us] the names [of the citizens], to jog us on the left-side, and to make us stretch our hand over obstacles: “This man has much interest in the Fabian, that in the Veline tribe; this will give the fasces to any one, and, indefatigably179 active, snatch the curule ivory from whom he pleases; add [the names of] father, brother: according as the age of each is, so courteously180 adopt him. If he who feasts well, lives well; it is day, let us go whither our appetite leads us: let us fish, let us hunt, as did some time Gargilius: who ordered his toils181, hunting-spears, slaves, early in the morning to pass through the crowded forum and the people: that one mule182 among many, in the sight of the people, might return loaded with a boar purchased with money. Let us bathe with an indigested and full-swollen stomach, forgetting what is becoming, what not; deserving to be enrolled184 among the citizens of Caere; like the depraved crew of Ulysses of Ithaca, to whom forbidden pleasure was dearer than their country. If, as Mimnermus thinks, nothing is pleasant without love and mirth, live in love and mirth.
Live: be happy. If you know of any thing preferable to these maxims, candidly185 communicate it: if not, with me make use of these.
Epistle vii.
To Maecenas.
He apologizes to Maecenas for his long absence from Rome; and acknowledges his favors to him in such a manner as to declare liberty preferable to all other blessings186.
Having promised you that I would be in the country but five days, false to my word, I am absent the whole of August. But, if you would have me live sound and in perfect health, the indulgence which you grant me, Maecenas, when I am ill, you will grant me [also] when I am afraid of being ill: while [the time of] the first figs187, and the [autumnal] heat graces the undertaker with his black attendants; while every father and mother turn pale with fear for their children; and while over-acted diligence, and attendance at the forum, bring on fevers and unseal wills. But, if the winter shall scatter snow upon the Alban fields, your poet will go down to the seaside, and be careful of himself, and read bundled up; you, dear friend, he will revisit with the zephyrs188, if you will give him leave, and with the first swallow.
You have made me rich, not in the manner in which the Calabrian host bids [his guest] eat of his pears. “Eat, pray, sir.” “I have had enough.” “But take away with you what quantity you will.” “You are very kind.” “You will carry them no disagreeable presents to your little children.” “I am as much obliged by your offer, as if I were sent away loaded.” “As you please: you leave them to be devoured189 today by the hogs190.” The prodigal191 and fool gives away what he despises and hates; the reaping of favors like these has produced, and ever will produce, ungrateful men. A good and wise man professes193 himself ready to do kindness to the deserving; and yet is not ignorant, how true coins differ from lupines. I will also show myself deserving of the honor of being grateful. But if you would not have me depart any whither, you must restore my vigorous constitution, the black locks [that grew] on my narrow forehead: you must restore to me the power of talking pleasantly: you must restore to me the art of laughing with becoming ease, and whining194 over my liquor at the jilting of the wanton Cynara.
A thin field-mouse had by chance crept through a narrow cranny into a chest of grain; and, having feasted itself, in vain attempted to come out again, with its body now stuffed full. To which a weasel at a distance cries, “If you would escape thence, repair lean to the narrow hole which you entered lean.” If I be addressed with this similitude, I resign all; neither do I, sated with delicacies195, cry up the calm repose of the vulgar, nor would I change my liberty and ease for the riches of the Arabians. You have often commended me for being modest; when present you heard [from me the appellations196 of] king and father, nor am I a word more sparing in your absence. Try whether I can cheerfully restore what you have given me. Not amiss [answered] Telemachus, son of the patient Ulysses: “The country of Ithaca is not proper for horses, as being neither extended into champaign fields, nor abounding198 with much grass: Atrides, I will leave behind me your gifts, [which are] more proper for yourself.” Small things best suit the small. No longer does imperial Rome please me, but unfrequented Tibur, and unwarlike Tarentum.
Philip, active and strong, and famed for pleading causes, while returning from his employment about the eighth hour, and now of a great age, complaining that the Carinae were too far distant from the forum; spied, as they say, a person clean shaven in a barber’s empty shed, composedly paring his own nails with a knife. “Demetrius,” [says he,] (this slave dexterously199 received his master’s orders,) “go inquire, and bring me word from what house, who he is, of what fortune, who is his father, or who is his patron.” He goes, returns, and relates, that “he is by name, Vulteius Maena, an auctioneer, of small fortune, of a character perfectly200 unexceptionable, that he could upon occasion ply2 busily, and take his ease, and get, and spend; delighting in humble201 companions and a settled dwelling202, and (after business ended) in the shows, and the Campus Martius.”
“I would inquire of him himself all this, which you report; bid him come to sup with me.” Maena can not believe it; he wonders silently within himself. Why many words? He answers, “It is kind.” “Can he deny me?” “The rascal203 denies, and disregards or dreads you.” In the morning Philip comes unawares upon Vulteius, as he is selling brokery-goods to the tunic’d populace, and salutes204 him first. He pleads to Philip his employment, and the confinement206 of his business, in excuse for not having waited upon him in the morning; and afterward207, for not seeing him first. “Expect that I will excuse you on this condition, that you sup with me today.” “As you please.” “Then you will come after the ninth hour: now go: strenuously increase your stock.” When they were come to supper, having discoursed208 of things of a public and private nature, at length he is dismissed to go to sleep. When he had often been seen, to repair like a fish to the concealed hook, in the morning a client, and now as a constant guest; he is desired to accompany [Philip] to his country-seat near the city, at the proclaiming of the Latin festivals. Mounted on horseback, he ceases not to cry up the Sabine fields and air. Philip sees it, and smiles: and, while he is seeking amusement and diversion for himself out of every thing, while he makes him a present of seven thousand sesterces, and promises to lend him seven thousand more: he persuades him to purchase a farm: he purchases one. That I may not detain you with a long story beyond what is necessary, from a smart cit he becomes a downright rustic209, and prates210 of nothing but furrows211 and vineyards; prepares his elms; is ready to die with eager diligence, and grows old through a passionate212 desire of possessing. But when his sheep were lost by theft, his goats by distemper, his harvest deceived his hopes, his ox was killed with plowing213; fretted214 with these losses, at midnight he snatches his nag215, and in a passion makes his way to Philip’s house. Whom as soon as Philip beheld, rough and unshaven, “Vulteius,” said he, “you seem to me to be too laborious216 and earnest.” “In truth, patron,” replied he, “you would call me a wretch32, if you would apply to me my true name. I beseech217 and conjure218 you then, by your genius and your right hand and your household gods, restore me to my former life.” As soon as a man perceives, how much the things he has discarded excel those which he pursues, let him return in time, and resume those which he relinquished219.
It is a truth, that every one ought to measure himself by his own proper foot and standard.
Epistle viii.
To Celsus Albinovanus.
That he was neither well in body, nor in mind; that Celtics should bear his prosperity with moderation.
My muse at my request, give joy and wish success to Celsus Albinovanus, the attendant and the secretary of Nero. If he shall inquire, what I am doing, say that I, though promising220 many and fine things, yet live neither well [according to the rules of strict philosophy], nor agreeably; not because the hail has crushed my vines, and the heat has nipped my olives; nor because my herds221 are distempered in distant pastures; but because, less sound in my mind than in my whole body, I will hear nothing, learn nothing which may relieve me, diseased as I am; that I am displeased222 with my faithful physicians, am angry with my friends for being industrious to rouse me from a fatal lethargy; that I pursue things which have done me hurt, avoid things which I am persuaded would be of service, inconstant as the wind, at Rome am in love with Tibur, at Tibur with Rome. After this, inquire how he does; how he manages his business and himself; how he pleases the young prince and his attendants. If he shall say, well; first congratulate him, then remember to whisper this admonition in his ears: As you, Celsus, bear your fortunes, so will we bear you.
Epistle ix.
To Claudius Tiberius Nero.
He recommends Septimius to him.
Of all the men in the world Septimius surely, O Claudius, knows how much regard you have for me. For when he requests, and by his entreaties223 in a manner compels me, to undertake to recommend and introduce him to you, as one worthy of the confidence and the household of Nero, who is wont224 to choose deserving objects, thinking I discharge the office of an intimate friend; he sees and knows better than myself what I can do. I said a great deal, indeed, in order that I might come off excused: but I was afraid, lest I should be suspected to pretend my interest was less than it is, to be a dissembler of my own power, and ready to serve myself alone. So, avoiding the reproach of a greater fault, I have put in for the prize of town-bred confidence. If then you approve of modesty225 being superseded226 at the pressing entreaties of a friend, enrol183 this person among your retinue227, and believe him to be brave and good.
Epistle x.
To Aristius Fuscus.
He praises a country before a city life, as more agreeable to nature, and more friendly to liberty.
We, who love the country, salute205 Fuscus that loves the town; in this point alone [being] much unlike, but in other things almost twins, of brotherly sentiments: whatever one denies the other too [denies]; we assent228 together: like old and constant doves, you keep the nest; I praise the rivulets229, the rocks overgrown with moss231, and the groves of the delightful country. Do you ask why? I live and reign, as soon as I have quitted those things which you extol232 to the skies with joyful233 applause. And, like a priest’s, fugitive234 slave I reject luscious235 wafers, I desire plain bread, which is more agreeable now than honied cakes.
If we must live suitably to nature, and a plot of ground is to be first sought to raise a house upon, do you know any place preferable to the blissful country? Is there any spot where the winters are more temperate236? where a more agreeable breeze moderates the rage of the Dog-star, and the season of the Lion, when once that furious sign has received the scorching237 sun? Is there a place where envious care less disturbs our slumbers238? Is the grass inferior in smell or beauty to the Libyan pebbles239? Is the water, which strives to burst the lead in the streets, purer than that which trembles in murmurs240 down its sloping channel? Why, trees are nursed along the variegated241 columns [of the city]; and that house is commended, which has a prospect242 of distant fields. You may drive out nature with a fork, yet still she will return, and, insensibly victorious, will break through [men’s] improper243 disgusts.
Not he who is unable to compare the fleeces that drink up the dye of Aquinum with the Sidonian purple, will receive a more certain damage and nearer to his marrow244, than he who shall not be able to distinguish false from true. He who has been overjoyed by prosperity, will be shocked by a change of circumstances. If you admire any thing [greatly], you will be unwilling to resign it. Avoid great things; under a mean roof one may outstrip245 kings, and the favorites of kings, in one’s life.
The stag, superior in fight, drove the horse from the common pasture, till the latter, worsted in the long contest, implored246 the aid of man and received the bridle; but after he had parted an exulting247 conqueror248 from his enemy, he could not shake the rider from his back, nor the bit from his mouth. So he who, afraid of poverty, forfeits249 his liberty, more valuable than mines, avaricious250 wretch, shall carry a master, and shall eternally be a slave, for not knowing how to use a little. When a man’s condition does not suit him, it will be as a shoe at any time; which, if too big for his foot, will throw him down; if too little, will pinch him. [If you are] cheerful under your lot, Aristius, you will live wisely; nor shall you let me go uncorrected, if I appear to scrape together more than enough and not have done. Accumulated money is the master or slave of each owner, and ought rather to follow than to lead the twisted rope.
These I dictated251 to thee behind the moldering temple of Vacuna; in all other things happy, except that thou wast not with me.
Epistle xi.
To Bullatius.
Endeavoring to recall him back to Rome from Asia, whither he had retreated through his weariness of the civil wars, he advises him to ease the disquietude of his mind not by the length of his journey, but by forming his mind into a right disposition252.
What, Bullatius, do you think of Chios, and of celebrated Lesbos? What of neat Samos? What of Sardis, the royal residence of Croesus? What of Smyrna, and Colophon? Are they greater or less than their fame? Are they all contemptible253 in comparison of the Campus Martius and the river Tiber? Does one of Attalus’ cities enter into your wish? Or do you admire Lebedus, through a surfeit65 of the sea and of traveling? You know what Lebedus is; it is a more unfrequented town than Gabii and Fidenae; yet there would I be willing to live; and, forgetful of my friends and forgotten by them, view from land Neptune254 raging at a distance. But neither he who comes to Rome from Capua, bespattered with rain and mire, would wish to live in an inn; nor does he, who has contracted a cold, cry up stoves and bagnios as completely furnishing a happy life: nor, if the violent south wind has tossed you in the deep, will you therefore sell your ship on the other side of the Aegean Sea. On a man sound in mind Rhodes and beautiful Mitylene have such an effect, as a thick cloak at the summer solstice, thin drawers in snowy weather, [bathing in] the Tiber in winter, a fire in the month of August. While it is permitted, and fortune preserves a benign255 aspect, let absent Samos, and Chios, and Rhodes, be commended by you here at Rome. Whatever prosperous; hour Providence256 bestows257 upon you, receive it with a thankful hand: and defer not [the enjoyment258 of] the comforts of life, till a year be at an end; that in whatever place you are, you may say you have lived with satisfaction. For if reason and discretion259, not a place that commands a prospect of the wide-extended sea, remove our cares; they change their climate, not their disposition, who run beyond the sea: a busy idleness harrasses us: by ships and by chariots we seek to live happily. What you seek is here [at home], is at Ulubrae, if a just temper of mind is not wanting to you.
Epistle xii.
To Iccius.
Leader the appearance of praising the man’s parsimony260, he archly ridicules261 it; introduces Grosphus to him, and concludes with a few articles of news concerning the Roman affairs.
O Iccius, if you rightly enjoy the Sicilian products, which you collect for Agrippa, it is not possible that greater affluence262 can be given you by Jove. Away with complaints! for that man is by no means poor, who has the use or everything, he wants. If it is well with your belly263, your back, and your feet, regal wealth can add nothing greater. If perchance abstemious264 amid profusion265 you live upon salad and shell-fish, you will continue to live in such a manner, even if presently fortune shall flow upon you in a river of gold; either because money can not change the natural disposition, or because it is your opinion that all things are inferior to virtue alone. Can we wonder that cattle feed upon the meadows and corn-fields of Democritus, while his active soul is abroad [traveling] without his body? When you, amid such great impurity266 and infection of profit, have no taste for any thing trivial, but still mind [only] sublime267 things: what causes restrain the sea, what rules the year, whether the stars spontaneously or by direction wander about and are erratic268, what throws obscurity on the moon, and what brings out her orb128, what is the intention and power of the jarring harmony of things, whether Empedocles or the clever Stertinius be in the wrong.
However, whether you murder fishes, or onions and garlic, receive Pompeius Grosphus; and, if he asks any favor, grant it him frankly269: Grosphus will desire nothing but what is right and just. The proceeds of friendship are cheap, when good men want any thing.
But that you may not be ignorant in what situation the Roman affairs are; the Cantabrians have fallen by the valor270 of Agrippa, the Armenians by that of Claudius Nero: Phraates has, suppliant271 on his knees, admitted the laws and power of Caesar. Golden plenty has poured out the fruits of Italy from a full horn.
Epistle xiii.
To Vinnius Asina.
Horace cautions him to present his poems to Augustus at a proper opportunity, and with due decorum.
As on your setting out I frequently and fully197 gave you instructions, Vinnius, that you would present these volumes to Augustus sealed up if he shall be in health, if in spirits, finally, if he shall ask for them: do not offend out of zeal272 to me, and industriously273 bring an odium upon my books [by being] an agent of violent officiousness. If haply the heavy load of my paper should gall66 you, cast it from you, rather than throw down your pack in a rough manner where you are directed to carry it, and turn your paternal274 name of Asina into a jest, and make yourself a common story. Make use of your vigor120 over the hills, the rivers, and the fens162. As soon as you have achieved your enterprise, and arrived there, you must keep your burden in this position; lest you happen to carry my bundle of books under your arm, as a clown does a lamb, or as drunken Pyrrhia [in the play does] the balls of pilfered275 wool, or as a tribe-guest his slippers276 with his fuddling-cap. You must not tell publicly, how you sweated with carrying those verses, which may detain the eyes and ears of Caesar. Solicited277 with much entreaty278, do your best. Finally, get you gone, farewell: take care you do not stumble, and break my orders.
Epistle xiv.
To His Steward279.
He upbraids280 his levity281 for contemning282 a country life, which had been his choice, and being eager to return to Rome.
Steward of my woodlands and little farm that restores me to myself, which you despise, [though formerly] inhabited by five families, and wont to send five good senators to Varia: let us try, whether I with more fortitude283 pluck the thorns out of my mind, or you out of my ground: and whether Horace or his estate be in a better condition.
Though my affection and solicitude284 for Lamia, mourning for his brother, lamenting285 inconsolably for his brother’s loss, detain me; nevertheless my heart and soul carry me thither286 and long to break through those barriers that obstruct287 my way. I pronounce him the happy man who dwells in the country, you him [who lives] in the city. He to whom his neighbor’s lot is agreeable, must of consequence dislike his own. Each of us is a fool for unjustly blaming the innocent place. The mind is in fault, which never escapes from itself. When you were a drudge288 at every one’s beck, you tacitly prayed for the country: and now, [being appointed] my steward, you wish for the city, the shows, and the baths. You know I am consistent with myself, and loth to go, whenever disagreeable business drags me to Rome. We are not admirers of the same things: henoe you and I disagree. For what you reckon desert and inhospitable wilds, he who is of my way of thinking calls delightful places; and dislikes what you esteem289 pleasant. The bagnio, I perceive, and the greasy290 tavern291 raise your inclination292 for the city: and this, because my little spot will sooner yield frankincense and pepper than grapes; nor is there a tavern near, which can supply you with wine; nor a minstrel harlot, to whose thrumming you may dance, cumbersome293 to the ground: and yet you exercise with plowshares the fallows that have been a long while untouched, you take due care of the ox when unyoked, and give him his fill with leaves stripped [from the boughs]. The sluice294 gives an additional trouble to an idle fellow, which, if a shower fall, must be taught by many a mound295 to spare the sunny meadow.
Come now, attend to what hinders our agreeing. [Me,] whom fine garments and dressed locks adorned296, whom you know to have pleased venal297 Cynara without a present, whom [you have seen] quaff298 flowing Falernian from noon — a short supper [now] delights, and a nap upon the green turf by the stream side; nor is it a shame to have been gay, but not to break off that gayety. There there is no one who reduces my possessions with envious eye, nor poisons them with obscure malice299 and biting slander300; the neighbors smile at me removing clods and stones. You had rather be munching301 your daily allowance with the slaves in town; you earnestly pray to be of the number of these: [while my] cunning foot-boy envies you the use of the firing, the flocks and the garden. The lazy ox wishes for the horse’s trappings: the horse wishes to go to plow. But I shall be of opinion, that each of them ought contentedly302 to exercise that art which he understands.
Epistle xv.
To C. Neumonius Vala.
Preparing to go to the baths either at Velia or Salernum, he inquires after the healthfulness and agreeableness of the places.
It is your part, Vala, to write to me (and mine to give credit to your information) what sort of a winter is it at Velia, what the air at Salernum, what kind of inhabitants the country consists of, and how the road is (for Antonius Musa [pronounces] Baiae to be of no service to me; yet makes me obnoxious303 to the place, when I am bathed in cold water even in the midst of the frost [by his prescription]. In truth the village murmers at their myrtle-groves being deserted304 and the sulphurous waters, said to expel lingering disorders305 from the nerves, despised; envying those invalids306, who have the courage to expose their head and breast to the Clusian springs, and retire to Gabii and [such] cold countries. My course must be altered, and my horse driven beyond his accustomed stages. Whither are you going? will the angry rider say, pulling in the left-hand rein172, I am not bound for Cumae or Baiae:— but the horse’s ear is in the bit.) [You must inform me likewise] which of the two people is supported by the greatest abundance of corn; whether they drink rainwater collected [in reservoirs], or from perennial307 wells of never-failing water (for as to the wine of that part I give myself no trouble; at my country-seat I can dispense308 and bear with any thing: but when I have arrived at a sea-port, I insist upon that which is generous and mellow309, such as may drive away my cares, such as may flow into my veins310 and animal spirits with a rich supply of hope, such as may supply me with words, such as may make me appear young to my Lucanian mistress). Which tract161 of land produces most hares, which boars: which seas harbor the most fishes and sea-urchins, that I may be able to return home thence in good case, and like a Phaeacian.
When Maenius, having bravely made away with his paternal and maternal311 estates, began to be accounted a merry fellow — a vagabond droll312, who had no certain place of living; who, when dinnerless, could not distinguish a fellow-citizen from an enemy; unmerciful in forging any scandal against any person; the pest, and hurricane, and gulf313 of the market; whatever he could get, he gave to his greedy gut314. This fellow, when he had extorted315 little or nothing from the favorers of his iniquity316, or those that dreaded it, would eat up whole dishes of coarse tripe317 and lamb’s entrails; as much as would have sufficed three bears; then truly, [like] reformer Bestius, would he say, that the bellies318 of extravagant319 fellows ought to be branded with a red-hot iron. The same man [however], when he had reduced to smoke and ashes whatever more considerable booty he had gotten; ‘Faith, said he, I do not wonder if some persons eat up their estates; since nothing is better than a fat thrush, nothing finer than a lage sow’s paunch. In fact, I am just such another myself; for, when matters are a little deficient320, I commend, the snug8 and homely321 fare, of sufficient resolution amid mean provisions; but, if any thing be offered better and more delicate, I, the same individual, cry out, that ye are wise and alone live well, whose wealth and estate are conspicuous322 from the elegance323 of your villas324.
Epistle xvi.
To Quinctius.
He describes to Quinctius the form, situation, and advantages of his country house: then declares that probity325 consists in the consciousness of good works; liberty, in probity.
Ask me not, my best Quinctius, whether my farm maintains its master with corn-fields, or enriches him with olives, or with fruits, or meadow land, or the elm tree clothed with vines: the shape and situation of my ground shall be described to you at large.
There is a continued range of mountains, except where they are separated by a shadowy vale; but in such a manner, that the approaching sun views it on the right side, and departing in his flying car warms the left. You would commend its temperature. What? If my [very] briers produce in abundance the ruddy cornels and damsens? If my oak and holm tree accommodate my cattle with plenty of acorns326, and their master with a copious327 shade? You would say that Tarentum, brought nearer [to Rome], shone in its verdant329 beauty. A fountain too, deserving to give name to a river, insomuch that Hebrus does not surround Thrace more cool or more limpid330, flows salubrious to the infirm head, salubrious to the bowels331. These sweet, yea now (if you will credit me) these delightful retreats preserve me to you in a state of health [even] in the September season.
You live well, if you take care to support the character which you bear. Long ago, all Rome has proclaimed you happy: but I am apprehensive332, lest you should give more credit concerning yourself to any one than yourself; and lest you should imagine a man happy, who differs from the wise and good; or, because the people pronounce you sound and perfectly well, lest you dissemble the lurking333 fever at meal-times, until a trembling seize your greased hands. The false modesty of fools conceals334 ulcers335 [rather than have them cured]. If any one should mention battles which you had fought by land and sea, and in such expressions as these should soothe336 your listening ears: “May Jupiter, who consults the safety both of you and of the city, keep it in doubt, whether the people be more solicitous337 for your welfare, or you for the people’s;” you might perceive these encomiums to belong [only] to Augustus when you suffer yourself to be termed a philosopher, and one of a refined life; say, pr’ythee, would you answer [to these appellations] in your own name? To be sure — I like to be called a wise and good man, as well as you. He who gave this character today, if he will, can take it away tomorrow: as the same people, if they have conferred the consulship on an unworthy person, may take it away from him: “Resign; it is ours,” they cry: I do resign it accordingly, and chagrined338 withdraw. Thus if they should call me rogue339, deny me to be temperate, assert that I had strangled my own father with a halter; shall I be stung, and change color at these false reproaches? Whom does false honor delight, or lying calumny340 terrify, except the vicious and sickly-minded? Who then is a good man? He who observes the decrees of the senate, the laws and rules of justice; by whose arbitration341 many and important disputes are decided342; by whose surety private property, and by whose testimony343 causes are safe. Yet [perhaps] his own family and all the neighborhood observe this man, specious344 in a fair outside, [to be] polluted within. If a slave should say to me, “I have not committed a robbery, nor run away:” “You have your reward; you are not galled345 with the lash,” I reply. “I have not killed any man:” “You shall not [therefore] feed the carrion346 crows on the cross.” I am a good man, and thrifty347: your Sabine friend denies, and contradicts the fact. For the wary348 wolf dreads the pitfall349, and the hawk350 the suspected snares351, and the kite the concealed hook. The good, [on the contrary,] hate to sin from the love of virtue; you will commit no crime merely for the fear of punishment. Let there be a prospect of escaping, you will confound sacred and profane352 things together. For, when from a thousand bushels of beans you filch353 one, the loss in that case to me is less, but not your villainy. The honest man, whom every forum and every court of justice looks upon with reverence354, whenever he makes an atonement to the gods with a wine or an ox; after he has pronounced in a clear distinguishable voice, “O father Janus, O Apollo;” moves his lips as one afraid of being heard; “O fair Laverna put it in my power to deceive; grant me the appearance of a just and upright man: throw a cloud of night over my frauds.” I do not see how a covetous man can be better, how more free than a slave, when he stoops down for the sake of a penny, stuck in the road [for sport]. For he who will be covetous, will also be anxious: but he that lives in a state of anxiety, will never in my estimation be free. He who is always in a hurry, and immersed in the study of augmenting355 his fortune, has lost the arms, and deserted the post of virtue. Do not kill your captive, if you can sell him: he will serve you advantageously: let him, being inured356 to drudgery357, feed [your cattle], and plow; let him go to sea, and winter in the midst of the waves; let him be of use to the market, and import corn and provisions. A good and wise man will have courage to say, “Pentheus, king of Thebes, what indignities358 will you compel me to suffer and endure. ‘I will take away your goods:’ my cattle, I suppose, my land, my movables and money: you may take them. ‘I will confine you with handcuffs and fetters under a merciless jailer.’ The deity359 himself will discharge me, whenever I please.” In my opinion, this is his meaning; I will die. Death is the ultimate boundary of human matters.
Epistle xvii.
To Scaeva.
That a life of business is preferable to a private and inactive one; the friendship of great men is a laudable acquisition, yet their favors are ever to be solicited with modesty and caution.
Though, Scaeva, you have sufficient prudence360 of your own, and well know how to demean yourself toward your superiors; [yet] hear what are the sentiments of your old crony, who himself still requires teaching, just as if a blind man should undertake to show the way: however see, if even I can advance any thing, which you may think worth your while to adopt as your own.
If pleasant rest, and sleep till seven o’clock, delight you; if dust and the rumbling361 of wheels, if the tavern offend you, I shall order you off for Ferentinum. For joys are not the property of the rich alone: nor has he lived ill, who at his birth and at his death has passed unnoticed. If you are disposed to be of service to your friends, and to treat yourself with somewhat more indulgence, you, being poor, must pay your respects to the great. Aristippus, if he could dine to his satisfaction on herbs, would never frequent [the tables] of the great. If he who blames me, [replies Aristippus,] knew how to live with the great, he would scorn his vegetables. Tell me, which maxim20 and conduct of the two you approve; or, since you are my junior, hear the reason why Aristippus’ opinion is preferable; for thus, as they report, he baffled the snarling362 cynic: “I play the buffoon363 for my own advantage, you [to please] the populace. This [conduct of mine] is better and far more honorable; that a horse may carry and a great man feed me, pay court to the great: you beg for refuse, an inferior to the [poor] giver; though you pretend you are in want of nothing.” As for Aristippus, every complexion364 of life, every station and circumstance sat gracefully365 upon him, aspiring366 in general to greater things, yet equal to the present: on the other hand, I shall be much surprised, if a contrary way of life should become [this cynic], whom obstinacy367 clothes with a double rag. The one will not wait for his purple robe; but dressed in any thing, will go through the most frequented places, and without awkwardness support either character: the other will shun368 the cloak wrought369 at Miletus with greater aversion than [the bite of] dog or viper370; he will die with cold, unless you restore him his ragged garment; restore it, and let him live like a fool as he is. To perform exploits, and show the citizens their foes372 in chains, reaches the throne of Jupiter, and aims at celestial373 honors. To have been acceptable to the great, is not the last of praises. It is not every man’s lot to gain Corinth. He [prudently] sat still who was afraid lest he should not succeed: be it so; what then? Was it not bravely done by him, who carried his point? Either here therefore, or nowhere, is what we are investigating. The one dreads the burden, as too much for a pusillanimous375 soul and a weak constitution; the other under takes, and carries it through. Either virtue is an empty name, or the man who makes the experiment deservedly claims the honor and the reward.
Those who mention nothing of their poverty before their lord, will gain more than the importunate376. There is a great difference between modestly accepting, or seizing by violence But this was the principle and source of every thing [which I alleged]. He who says, “My sister is without a portion, my mother poor, and my estate neither salable377 nor sufficient for my support,” cries out [in effect], “Give me a morsel378 of bread:” another whines379, “And let the platter be carved out for me with half a share of the bounty380.” But if the crow could have fed in silence, he would have had better fare, and much less of quarreling and of envy.
A companion taken [by his lord] to Brundusium, or the pleasant Surrentum, who complains of the ruggedness381 of the roads and the bitter cold and rains, or laments382 that his chest is broken open and his provisions stolen; resembles the well-known tricks of a harlot, weeping frequently for her necklace, frequently for a garter forcibly taken from her; so that at length no credit is given to her real griefs and losses. Nor does he, who has been once ridiculed383 in the streets, care to lift up a vagrant384 with a [pretended] broken leg; though abundant tears should flow from him; though, swearing by holy Osiris, he says, “Believe me, I do not impose upon you; O cruel, take up the lame46.” “Seek out for a stranger,” cries the hoarse385 neighborhood.
Epistle xviii.
To Lollius.
He treats at large upon the cultivation of the favor of great men; and concludes with a few words concerning the acquirement of peace of mind.
If I rightly know your temper, most ingenuous386 Lollius, you will beware of imitating a flatterer, while you profess192 yourself a friend. As a matron is unlike and of a different aspect from a strumpet, so will a true friend differ from the toad-eater. There is an opposite vice to this, rather the greater [of the two]; a clownish, inelegant, and disagreeable bluntness, which would recommend itself by an unshaven face and black teeth; while it desires to be termed pure freedom and true sincerity387. Virtue is the medium of the two vices388; and equally remote from either. The one is over-prone389 to complaisance390, and a jester of the lowest, couch, he so reverences391 the rich man’s nod, so repeats his speeches, and catches up his falling words; that you would take him for a school-boy saying his lesson to a rigid master, or a player acting392 an underpart; another often wrangles393 about a goat’s hair, and armed engages for any trifle: “That I, truly, should not have the first credit; and that I should not boldly speak aloud, what is my real sentiment —[upon such terms], another life would be of no value.” But what is the subject of this controversy394? Why, whether [the gladiator] Castor or Dolichos be the cleverer fellow; whether the Minucian, or the Appian, be the better road to Brundusium.
Him whom pernicious lust, whom quick-dispatching dice395 strips, whom vanity dresses out and perfumes beyond his abilities, whom insatiable hunger and thirst after money, Whom a shame and aversion to poverty possess, his rich friend (though furnished with a half-score more vices) hates and abhors397; or if he does not hate, governs him; and, like a pious328 mother, would have him more wise and virtuous398 than himself; and says what is nearly true: “My riches (think not to emulate399 me) admit of extravagance; your income is but small: a scanty gown becomes a prudent374 dependant400: cease to vie with me.” Whomsoever Eutrapelus had a mind to punish, he presented with costly401 garments. For now [said he] happy in his fine clothes, he will assume new schemes and hopes; he will sleep till daylight; prefer a harlot to his honest-calling; run into debt; and at last become a gladiator, or drive a gardener’s hack402 for hire.
Do not you at any time pry403 into his secrets; and keep close what is intrusted to you, though put to the torture, by wine or passion. Neither commend your own inclinations404, nor find fault with those of others; nor, when he is disposed to hunt, do you make verses. For by such means the amity405 of the twins Zethus and Amphion, broke off; till the lyre, disliked by the austere406 brother, was silent. Amphion is thought to have given way to his brother’s humors; so do you yield to the gentle dictates407 of your friend in power: as often as he leads forth his dogs into the fields and his cattle laden408 with Aetolian nets, arise and lay aside the peevishness409 of your unmannerly muse, that you may sup together on the delicious fare purchased by your labor; an exercise habitual410 to the manly Romans, of service to their fame and life and limbs: especially when you are in health, and are able either to excel the dog in swiftness, or the boar in strength. Add [to this], that there is no one who handles martial411 weapons more gracefully. You well know, with what acclamations of the spectators you sustain the combats in the Campus Marcius: in fine, as yet a boy, you endured a bloody412 campaign and the Cantabrian wars, beneath a commander, who is now replacing the standards [recovered] from the Parthian temples: and, if any thing is wanting, assigns it to the Roman arms. And that you may not withdraw yourself, and inexcusably be absent; though you are careful to do nothing out of measure, and moderation, yet you sometimes amuse yourself at your country-seat. The [mock] fleet divides the little boats [into two squadrons]: the Actian sea-fight is represented by boys under your direction in a hostile form: your brother is the foe371, your lake the Adriatic; till rapid victory crowns the one or the other with her bays. Your patron, who will perceive that you come into his taste, will applaud your sports with both his hands.
Moreover, that I may advise you (if in aught you stand in need of an adviser413), take great circumspection414 what you say to any man, and to whom. Avoid an inquisitive415 impertinent, for such a one is also a tattler, nor do open ears faithfully retain what is intrusted to them; and a word, once sent abroad, flies irrevocably.
Let no slave within the marble threshold of your honored friend inflame82 your heart; lest the owner of the beloved damsel gratify you with so trifling416 a present, or, mortifying417 [to your wishes], torment you [with a refusal].
Look over and over again [into the merits of] such a one, as you recommend; lest afterward the faults of others strike you with shame. We are sometimes imposed upon, and now and then introduce an unworthy person. Wherefore, once deceived, forbear to defend one who suffers by his own bad conduct; but protect one whom you entirely418 know, and with confidence guard him with your patronage419, if false accusations420 attack him: who being bitten with the tooth of calumny, do you not perceive that the same danger is threatening you? For it is your own concern, when the adjoining wall is on fire: and flames neglected are wont to gain strength.
The attending of the levee of a friend in power seems delightful to the unexperienced; the experienced dreads it. Do you, while your vessel is in the main, ply your business, lest a changing gale421 bear you back again.
The melancholy422 hate the merry, and the jocose423 the melancholy; the volatile424 [dislike] the sedate425, the indolent the stirring and vivacious426: the quaffers of pure Falernian from midnight hate one who shirks his turn; notwithstanding you swear you are afraid of the fumes396 of wine by night. Dispel427 gloominess from your forehead: the modest man generally carries the look of a sullen428 one; the reserved, of a churl429.
In every thing you must read and consult the learned, by what means you may be enabled to pass your life in an agreeable manner: that insatiable desire may not agitate430 and torment you, nor the fear and hope of things that are but of little account: whether learning acquires virtue, or nature bestows it? What lessens431 cares, what may endear you to yourself? What perfectly renders the temper calm; honor or enticing432 lucre433, or a secret passage and the path of an unnoticed life?
For my part, as often as the cooling rivulet230 Digentia refreshes me (Digentia, of which Mandela drinks, a village wrinkled with cold); what, my friend, do you think are my sentiments, what do you imagine I pray for? Why, that my fortune may remain as it is now; or even [if it be something] less: and that I may live to myself, what remains of my time, if the gods will that aught do remain: that I may have a good store of books, and corn provided for the year; lest I fluctuate in suspense434 of each uncertain hour. But it is sufficient to sue Jove [for these externals], which he gives and takes away [at pleasure]; let him grant life, let him grant wealth: I myself will provide equanimity435 of temper.
Epistle xix.
To Maecenas.
He shows the folly of some persons who would imitate; and the envy of others who would censure436 him.
O learned Maecenas, if you believe old Gratinus, no verses which are written by water-drinkers can please, or be long-lived. Ever since Bacchus enlisted437 the brain-sick poets among the Satyrs and the Fauns, the sweet muses438 have usually smelt439 of wine in the morning. Homer, by his excessive praises of wine, is convicted as a booser: father Ennius himself never sallied forth to sing of arms, unless in drink. “I will condemn440 the sober to the bar and the prater’s bench, and deprive the abstemious of the power of singing.”
As soon as he gave out this edict, the poets did not cease to contend in midnight cups, and to smell of them by day. What! if any savage, by a stern countenance and bare feet, and the texture441 of a scanty gown, should imitate Cato; will he represent the virtue and morals of Cato? The tongue that imitated Timagenes was the destruction of the Moor442, while he affected443 to be humorous, and attempted to seem eloquent. The example that is imitable in its faults, deceives [the ignorant]. Soh! if I was to grow up pale by accident, [these poetasters] would drink the blood-thinning cumin. O ye imitators, ye servile herd, how often your bustlings have stirred my bile, how often my mirth!
I was the original, who set my free footsteps upon the vacant sod; I trod not in the steps of others. He who depends upon himself, as leader, commands the swarm444. I first showed to Italy the Parian iambics: following the numbers and spirit of Archilochus, but not his subject and style, which afflicted Lycambes. You must not, however, crown me with a more sparing wreath, because I was afraid to alter the measure and structure of his verse: for the manly Sappho governs her muse by the measures of Archilochus, so does Alcaeus; but differing from him in the materials and disposition [of his lines], neither does he seek for a father-inlaw whom he may defame with his fatal lampoons445, nor does he tie a rope for his betrothed446 spouse447 in scandalous verse. Him too, never celebrated by any other tongue, I the Roman lyrist first made known. It delights me, as I bring out new productions, to be perused by the eyes, and held in the hands of the ingenuous.
Would you know why the ungrateful reader extols448 and is fond of many works at home, unjustly decries449 them without doors? I hunt not after the applause of the inconstant vulgar, at the expense of entertainments, and for the bribe450 of a worn-out colt: I am not an auditor451 of noble writers, nor a vindictive452 reciter, nor condescend453 to court the tribes and desks of the grammarians. Hence are these tears. If I say that “I am ashamed to repeat my worthless writings to crowded theatres, and give an air of consequence to trifles:” “You ridicule us,” says [one of them], “and you reserve those pieces for the ears of Jove: you are confident that it is you alone that can distill454 the poetic455 honey, beautiful in your own eyes.” At these words I am afraid to turn up my nose; and lest I should be torn by the acute nails of my adversary456, “This place is disagreeable,” I cry out, “and I demand a prorogation457 of the contest.” For contest is wont to beget458 trembling emulation459 and strife460, and strife cruel enmities and funereal461 war.
Epistle xx.
To His Book.
In vain he endeavors to retain his book, desirous of getting abroad; tells it what trouble it is to undergo, and imparts some things to be said of him to posterity462.
You seem, my book, to look wistfully at Janus and Vertumnus; to the end that you may be set out for sale, neatly463 polished by the pumice-stone of the Sosii. You hate keys and seals, which are agreeable to a modest [volume]; you grieve that you are shown but to a few, and extol public places; though educated in another manner. Away with you, whither you are so solicitous of going down: there will be no returning for you, when you are once sent out. “Wretch that I am, what have I done? What did I want?”— you will say: when any one gives you ill treatment, and you know that you will be squeezed into small compass, as soon as the eager reader is satiated. But, if the augur464 be not prejudiced by resentment of your error, you shall be caressed465 at Rome [only] till your youth be passed. When, thumbed by the hands of the vulgar, you begin to grow dirty; either you shall in silence feed the grovelling466 book-worms, or you shall make your escape to Utica, or shall be sent bound to Ilerda. Your disregarded adviser shall then laugh [at you]: as he, who in a passion pushed his refractory467 ass73 over the precipice468. For who would save [an ass] against his will? This too awaits you, that faltering469 dotage470 shall seize on you, to teach boys their rudiments471 in the skirts of the city. But when the abating472 warmth of the sun shall attract more ears, you shall tell them, that I was the son of a freedman, and extended my wings beyond my nest; so that, as much as you take away from my family, you may add to my merit: that I was in favor with the first men in the state, both in war and peace; of a short stature473, gray before my time, calculated for sustaining heat, prone to passion, yet so as to be soon appeased474. If any one should chance to inquire my age; let him know that I had completed four times eleven Decembers, in the year in which Lollius admitted Lepidus as his colleague.
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1
renounces
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| v.声明放弃( renounce的第三人称单数 )；宣布放弃；宣布与…决裂；宣布摒弃 | |
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ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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3
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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postpone
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| v.延期，推迟 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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consecrated
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| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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8
snug
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| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
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snugly
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| adv.紧贴地；贴身地；暖和舒适地；安适地 | |
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10
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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supplicate
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| v.恳求；adv.祈求地，哀求地，恳求地 | |
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aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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15
addicted
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| adj.沉溺于....的，对...上瘾的 | |
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implicitly
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| adv. 含蓄地, 暗中地, 毫不保留地 | |
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17
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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18
rigid
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| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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19
partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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20
maxim
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| n.格言，箴言 | |
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maxims
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| n.格言，座右铭( maxim的名词复数 ) | |
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labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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23
minors
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| n.未成年人( minor的名词复数 )；副修科目；小公司；[逻辑学]小前提v.[主美国英语]副修，选修，兼修( minor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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24
guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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strenuously
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| adv.奋发地，费力地 | |
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27
detriment
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| n.损害；损害物，造成损害的根源 | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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30
knotty
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| adj.有结的，多节的，多瘤的，棘手的 | |
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avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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32
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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mitigate
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| vt.（使）减轻，（使）缓和 | |
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swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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35
treatise
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| n.专著；(专题)论文 | |
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36
perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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37
envious
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| adj.嫉妒的，羡慕的 | |
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38
choleric
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| adj.易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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39
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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40
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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41
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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42
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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43
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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44
shameful
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| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
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45
repulse
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| n.击退，拒绝；vt.逐退，击退，拒绝 | |
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46
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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47
mire
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| n.泥沼，泥泞；v.使...陷于泥泞，使...陷入困境 | |
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48
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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49
plebeian
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| adj.粗俗的；平民的；n.平民；庶民 | |
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50
brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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51
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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52
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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53
animates
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| v.使有生气( animate的第三人称单数 )；驱动；使栩栩如生地动作；赋予…以生命 | |
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54
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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55
portico
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| n.柱廊，门廊 | |
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56
porticoes
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| n.柱廊，（有圆柱的）门廊( portico的名词复数 ) | |
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57
inveigle
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| v.诱骗 | |
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58
covetous
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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59
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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60
usury
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| n.高利贷 | |
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61
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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62
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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63
noose
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| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
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64
surfeited
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| v.吃得过多( surfeit的过去式和过去分词 )；由于过量而厌腻 | |
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65
surfeit
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| v.使饮食过度；n.(食物)过量，过度 | |
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66
gall
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| v.使烦恼，使焦躁，难堪；n.磨难 | |
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67
galley
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| n.（飞机或船上的）厨房单层甲板大帆船；军舰舰长用的大划艇； | |
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68
uneven
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| adj.不平坦的，不规则的，不均匀的 | |
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69
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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70
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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71
ferment
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| vt.使发酵；n./vt.（使）激动，（使）动乱 | |
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72
tenor
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| n.男高音（歌手），次中音（乐器），要旨，大意 | |
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73
ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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74
reveres
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的第三人称单数 ) | |
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75
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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76
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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77
intrigue
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| vt.激起兴趣，迷住；vi.耍阴谋；n.阴谋，密谋 | |
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78
barbarians
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| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
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79
tumults
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| 吵闹( tumult的名词复数 )； 喧哗； 激动的吵闹声； 心烦意乱 | |
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80
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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81
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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82
inflame
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| v.使燃烧；使极度激动；使发炎 | |
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83
inflames
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| v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的第三人称单数 ) | |
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84
sedition
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| n.煽动叛乱 | |
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85
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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86
lust
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| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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87
propounded
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| v.提出（问题、计划等）供考虑[讨论]，提议( propound的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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89
contriving
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| （不顾困难地）促成某事( contrive的现在分词 )； 巧妙地策划，精巧地制造（如机器）； 设法做到 | |
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90
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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91
ignominious
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| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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92
filthy
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| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
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93
hog
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| n.猪；馋嘴贪吃的人；vt.把…占为己有，独占 | |
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94
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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95
pampering
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| v.纵容，宠，娇养( pamper的现在分词 ) | |
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96
lull
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| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
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97
harp
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| n.竖琴；天琴座 | |
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98
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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99
tormented
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| 饱受折磨的 | |
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100
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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101
gnaws
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| 咬( gnaw的第三人称单数 )； （长时间） 折磨某人； （使）苦恼； （长时间）危害某事物 | |
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102
defer
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| vt.推迟，拖延；vi.(to)遵从，听从，服从 | |
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103
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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104
postpones
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| v.延期，推迟( postpone的第三人称单数 ) | |
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105
reclaimed
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| adj.再生的；翻造的；收复的；回收的v.开拓( reclaim的过去式和过去分词 )；要求收回；从废料中回收（有用的材料）；挽救 | |
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106
plow
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| n.犁，耕地，犁过的地；v.犁，费力地前进[英]plough | |
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107
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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108
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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109
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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110
tyrants
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| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
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111
curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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112
undone
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| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
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113
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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114
plies
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的第三人称单数 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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115
rancor
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| n.深仇，积怨 | |
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116
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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117
groom
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| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
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118
docile
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| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
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119
imbibe
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| v.喝，饮；吸入，吸收 | |
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120
vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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121
exhorts
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| n.劝勉者，告诫者，提倡者( exhort的名词复数 )v.劝告，劝说( exhort的第三人称单数 ) | |
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122
diffuses
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| （使光）模糊，漫射，漫散( diffuse的第三人称单数 )； （使）扩散； （使）弥漫； （使）传播 | |
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123
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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124
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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125
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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126
muse
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| n.缪斯（希腊神话中的女神），创作灵感 | |
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127
pompous
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的；夸大的；豪华的 | |
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128
orb
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| n.太阳；星球；v.弄圆；成球形 | |
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129
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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130
hovering
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| 鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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131
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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132
ivy
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| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
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133
reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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134
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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135
exasperates
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| n.激怒，触怒( exasperate的名词复数 )v.激怒，触怒( exasperate的第三人称单数 ) | |
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136
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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137
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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138
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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139
candid
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| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
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140
discourses
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| 论文( discourse的名词复数 )； 演说； 讲道； 话语 | |
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141
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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142
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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143
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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144
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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145
solicit
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| vi.勾引；乞求；vt.请求，乞求；招揽(生意) | |
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146
sleek
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| adj.光滑的，井然有序的；v.使光滑，梳拢 | |
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147
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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148
frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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149
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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150
consulship
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| 领事的职位或任期 | |
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151
fenny
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| adj.沼泽的；沼泽多的；长在沼泽地带的；住在沼泽地的 | |
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152
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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153
niggardly
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| adj.吝啬的，很少的 | |
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154
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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155
ratified
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| v.批准，签认（合约等）( ratify的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
dastard
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| n.卑怯之人，懦夫；adj.怯懦的，畏缩的 | |
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157
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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158
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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159
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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160
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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161
tract
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| n.传单，小册子，大片(土地或森林) | |
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162
fens
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| n.（尤指英格兰东部的）沼泽地带( fen的名词复数 ) | |
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163
apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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164
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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165
dreads
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| n.恐惧，畏惧( dread的名词复数 )；令人恐惧的事物v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的第三人称单数 ) | |
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166
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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167
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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168
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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169
forum
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| n.论坛，讨论会 | |
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170
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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171
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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172
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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173
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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174
persuasion
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| n.劝说；说服；持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
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175
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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176
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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177
pilfering
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| v.偷窃（小东西），小偷( pilfer的现在分词 )；偷窃（一般指小偷小摸） | |
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178
dictate
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| v.口授；(使)听写；指令，指示，命令 | |
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179
indefatigably
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| adv.不厌倦地，不屈不挠地 | |
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180
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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181
toils
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| 网 | |
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182
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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183
enrol
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| v.（使）注册入学，（使）入学，（使）入会 | |
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184
enrolled
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| adj.入学登记了的v.[亦作enrol]( enroll的过去式和过去分词 )；登记，招收，使入伍（或入会、入学等），参加，成为成员；记入名册；卷起，包起 | |
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185
candidly
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| adv.坦率地，直率而诚恳地 | |
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186
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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187
figs
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| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
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188
zephyrs
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| n.和风，微风( zephyr的名词复数 ) | |
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189
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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190
hogs
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| n.（尤指喂肥供食用的）猪( hog的名词复数 )；（供食用的）阉公猪；彻底地做某事；自私的或贪婪的人 | |
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191
prodigal
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| adj.浪费的，挥霍的，放荡的 | |
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192
profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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193
professes
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| 声称( profess的第三人称单数 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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194
whining
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| n. 抱怨，牢骚 v. 哭诉，发牢骚 | |
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195
delicacies
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| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
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196
appellations
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| n.名称，称号( appellation的名词复数 ) | |
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197
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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198
abounding
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| adj.丰富的，大量的v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的现在分词 ) | |
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199
dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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200
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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201
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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202
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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203
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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204
salutes
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| n.致敬，欢迎，敬礼( salute的名词复数 )v.欢迎，致敬( salute的第三人称单数 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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205
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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206
confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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207
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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208
discoursed
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| 演说（discourse的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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209
rustic
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| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
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210
prates
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| v.（古时用语）唠叨，啰唆( prate的第三人称单数 ) | |
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211
furrows
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| n.犁沟( furrow的名词复数 )；（脸上的）皱纹v.犁田，开沟( furrow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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212
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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213
plowing
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| v.耕( plow的现在分词 )；犁耕；费力穿过 | |
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214
fretted
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| 焦躁的，附有弦马的，腐蚀的 | |
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215
nag
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| v.(对…)不停地唠叨；n.爱唠叨的人 | |
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216
laborious
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| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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217
beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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218
conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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219
relinquished
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
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220
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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221
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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222
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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223
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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224
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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225
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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226
superseded
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| [医]被代替的，废弃的 | |
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227
retinue
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| n.侍从；随员 | |
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228
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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229
rivulets
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| n.小河，小溪( rivulet的名词复数 ) | |
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230
rivulet
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| n.小溪，小河 | |
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231
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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232
extol
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| v.赞美，颂扬 | |
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233
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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234
fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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235
luscious
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| adj.美味的；芬芳的；肉感的，引与性欲的 | |
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236
temperate
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| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
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237
scorching
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| adj. 灼热的 | |
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238
slumbers
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| 睡眠，安眠( slumber的名词复数 ) | |
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239
pebbles
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| [复数]鹅卵石； 沙砾； 卵石，小圆石( pebble的名词复数 ) | |
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240
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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241
variegated
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|
| adj.斑驳的，杂色的 | |
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242
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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243
improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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244
marrow
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| n.骨髓；精华；活力 | |
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245
outstrip
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| v.超过，跑过 | |
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246
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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247
exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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248
conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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249
forfeits
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| 罚物游戏 | |
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250
avaricious
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|
| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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251
dictated
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|
| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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252
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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253
contemptible
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|
| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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254
Neptune
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| n.海王星 | |
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255
benign
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|
| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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256
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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257
bestows
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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258
enjoyment
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|
| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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259
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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260
parsimony
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| n.过度节俭，吝啬 | |
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261
ridicules
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|
| n.嘲笑( ridicule的名词复数 )；奚落；嘲弄；戏弄v.嘲笑，嘲弄，奚落( ridicule的第三人称单数 ) | |
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262
affluence
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| n.充裕，富足 | |
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263
belly
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| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
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264
abstemious
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|
| adj.有节制的，节俭的 | |
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265
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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266
impurity
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| n.不洁，不纯，杂质 | |
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267
sublime
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|
| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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268
erratic
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| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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269
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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270
valor
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| n.勇气，英勇 | |
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271
suppliant
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| adj.哀恳的；n.恳求者，哀求者 | |
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272
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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273
industriously
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274
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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275
pilfered
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| v.偷窃（小东西），小偷( pilfer的过去式和过去分词 )；偷窃（一般指小偷小摸） | |
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276
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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277
solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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278
entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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279
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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280
upbraids
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| v.责备，申斥，谴责( upbraid的第三人称单数 ) | |
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281
levity
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|
| n.轻率，轻浮，不稳定，多变 | |
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282
contemning
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|
| v.侮辱，蔑视( contemn的现在分词 ) | |
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283
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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284
solicitude
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| n.焦虑 | |
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285
lamenting
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|
| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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286
thither
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|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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287
obstruct
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|
| v.阻隔，阻塞(道路、通道等)；n.阻碍物，障碍物 | |
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288
drudge
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| n.劳碌的人；v.做苦工，操劳 | |
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289
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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290
greasy
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| adj. 多脂的，油脂的 | |
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291
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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292
inclination
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|
| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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293
cumbersome
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| adj.笨重的，不便携带的 | |
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294
sluice
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| n.水闸 | |
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295
mound
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| n.土墩，堤，小山；v.筑堤，用土堆防卫 | |
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296
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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297
venal
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| adj.唯利是图的，贪脏枉法的 | |
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298
quaff
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| v.一饮而尽；痛饮 | |
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299
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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300
slander
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| n./v.诽谤，污蔑 | |
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301
munching
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|
| v.用力咀嚼（某物），大嚼( munch的现在分词 ) | |
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302
contentedly
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|
| adv.心满意足地 | |
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303
obnoxious
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|
| adj.极恼人的，讨人厌的，可憎的 | |
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304
deserted
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|
| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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305
disorders
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|
| n.混乱( disorder的名词复数 )；凌乱；骚乱；（身心、机能）失调 | |
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306
invalids
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|
| 病人，残疾者( invalid的名词复数 ) | |
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307
perennial
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|
| adj.终年的；长久的 | |
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308
dispense
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|
| vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施 | |
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309
mellow
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|
| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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310
veins
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|
| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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311
maternal
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|
| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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312
droll
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|
| adj.古怪的，好笑的 | |
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313
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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314
gut
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| n.[pl.]胆量；内脏；adj.本能的；vt.取出内脏 | |
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315
extorted
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| v.敲诈( extort的过去式和过去分词 )；曲解 | |
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316
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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317
tripe
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| n.废话，肚子, 内脏 | |
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318
bellies
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|
| n.肚子( belly的名词复数 )；腹部；（物体的）圆形或凸起部份；腹部…形的 | |
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319
extravagant
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|
| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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320
deficient
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|
| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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321
homely
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|
| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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322
conspicuous
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|
| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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323
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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324
villas
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| 别墅，公馆( villa的名词复数 )； （城郊）住宅 | |
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325
probity
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| n.刚直；廉洁，正直 | |
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326
acorns
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| n.橡子，栎实( acorn的名词复数 ) | |
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327
copious
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| adj.丰富的，大量的 | |
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328
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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329
verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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330
limpid
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| adj.清澈的，透明的 | |
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331
bowels
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| n.肠，内脏，内部；肠( bowel的名词复数 )；内部，最深处 | |
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332
apprehensive
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|
| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
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333
lurking
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| 潜在 | |
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334
conceals
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|
| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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335
ulcers
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|
| n.溃疡( ulcer的名词复数 )；腐烂物；道德败坏；腐败 | |
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336
soothe
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|
| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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337
solicitous
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|
| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
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338
chagrined
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|
| adj.懊恼的，苦恼的v.使懊恼，使懊丧，使悔恨( chagrin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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339
rogue
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|
| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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340
calumny
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|
| n.诽谤，污蔑，中伤 | |
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341
arbitration
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| n.调停，仲裁 | |
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342
decided
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|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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343
testimony
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|
| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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344
specious
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|
| adj.似是而非的；adv.似是而非地 | |
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345
galled
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|
| v.使…擦痛( gall的过去式和过去分词 )；擦伤；烦扰；侮辱 | |
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346
carrion
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|
| n.腐肉 | |
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347
thrifty
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|
| adj.节俭的；兴旺的；健壮的 | |
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348
wary
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|
| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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349
pitfall
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|
| n.隐患，易犯的错误；陷阱，圈套 | |
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350
hawk
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|
| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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351
snares
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|
| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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352
profane
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|
| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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353
filch
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| v.偷窃 | |
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354
reverence
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|
| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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355
augmenting
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| 使扩张 | |
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356
inured
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| adj.坚强的，习惯的 | |
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357
drudgery
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| n.苦工，重活，单调乏味的工作 | |
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358
indignities
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| n.侮辱，轻蔑( indignity的名词复数 ) | |
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359
deity
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| n.神，神性；被奉若神明的人(或物) | |
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360
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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361
rumbling
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| n. 隆隆声, 辘辘声 adj. 隆隆响的 动词rumble的现在分词 | |
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362
snarling
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|
| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的现在分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
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363
buffoon
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| n.演出时的丑角 | |
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364
complexion
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|
| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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365
gracefully
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|
| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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366
aspiring
|
|
| adj.有志气的；有抱负的；高耸的v.渴望；追求 | |
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367
obstinacy
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|
| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
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368
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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369
wrought
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|
| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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370
viper
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| n.毒蛇；危险的人 | |
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371
foe
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|
| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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372
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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373
celestial
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|
| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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374
prudent
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|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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375
pusillanimous
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|
| adj.懦弱的，胆怯的 | |
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376
importunate
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|
| adj.强求的；纠缠不休的 | |
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377
salable
|
|
| adj.有销路的，适销的 | |
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378
morsel
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|
| n.一口，一点点 | |
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379
whines
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|
| n.悲嗥声( whine的名词复数 )；哀鸣者v.哀号( whine的第三人称单数 )；哀诉，诉怨 | |
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380
bounty
|
|
| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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381
ruggedness
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|
| 险峻，粗野； 耐久性； 坚固性 | |
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382
laments
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|
| n.悲恸，哀歌，挽歌( lament的名词复数 )v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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383
ridiculed
|
|
| v.嘲笑，嘲弄，奚落( ridicule的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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384
vagrant
|
|
| n.流浪者，游民；adj.流浪的，漂泊不定的 | |
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385
hoarse
|
|
| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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386
ingenuous
|
|
| adj.纯朴的，单纯的；天真的；坦率的 | |
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387
sincerity
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|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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388
vices
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|
| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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389
prone
|
|
| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
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390
complaisance
|
|
| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
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391
reverences
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|
| n.尊敬，崇敬( reverence的名词复数 )；敬礼 | |
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392
acting
|
|
| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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393
wrangles
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|
| n.（尤指长时间的）激烈争吵，口角，吵嘴( wrangle的名词复数 )v.争吵，争论，口角( wrangle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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394
controversy
|
|
| n.争论，辩论，争吵 | |
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395
dice
|
|
| n.骰子；vt.把（食物）切成小方块，冒险 | |
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396
fumes
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|
| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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397
abhors
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|
| v.憎恶( abhor的第三人称单数 )；（厌恶地）回避；拒绝；淘汰 | |
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398
virtuous
|
|
| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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399
emulate
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|
| v.努力赶上或超越，与…竞争；效仿 | |
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400
dependant
|
|
| n.依靠的，依赖的，依赖他人生活者 | |
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401
costly
|
|
| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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402
hack
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|
| n.劈，砍，出租马车；v.劈，砍，干咳 | |
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403
pry
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|
| vi.窥(刺)探，打听；vt.撬动(开，起) | |
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404
inclinations
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|
| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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405
amity
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|
| n.友好关系 | |
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406
austere
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|
| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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407
dictates
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|
| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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408
laden
|
|
| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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409
peevishness
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|
| 脾气不好；爱发牢骚 | |
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410
habitual
|
|
| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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411
martial
|
|
| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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412
bloody
|
|
| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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413
adviser
|
|
| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
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414
circumspection
|
|
| n.细心，慎重 | |
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415
inquisitive
|
|
| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
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416
trifling
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|
| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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417
mortifying
|
|
| adj.抑制的，苦修的v.使受辱( mortify的现在分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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418
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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419
patronage
|
|
| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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420
accusations
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|
| n.指责( accusation的名词复数 )；指控；控告；（被告发、控告的）罪名 | |
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421
gale
|
|
| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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422
melancholy
|
|
| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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423
jocose
|
|
| adj.开玩笑的，滑稽的 | |
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424
volatile
|
|
| adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质 | |
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425
sedate
|
|
| adj.沉着的，镇静的，安静的 | |
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426
vivacious
|
|
| adj.活泼的，快活的 | |
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427
dispel
|
|
| vt.驱走，驱散，消除 | |
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428
sullen
|
|
| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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429
churl
|
|
| n.吝啬之人；粗鄙之人 | |
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430
agitate
|
|
| vi.(for,against)煽动，鼓动；vt.搅动 | |
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431
lessens
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|
| 变少( lessen的第三人称单数 )； 减少（某事物） | |
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432
enticing
|
|
| adj.迷人的；诱人的 | |
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433
lucre
|
|
| n.金钱，财富 | |
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434
suspense
|
|
| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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435
equanimity
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|
| n.沉着，镇定 | |
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436
censure
|
|
| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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437
enlisted
|
|
| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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438
muses
|
|
| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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439
smelt
|
|
| v.熔解，熔炼；n.银白鱼，胡瓜鱼 | |
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440
condemn
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|
| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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441
texture
|
|
| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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442
moor
|
|
| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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443
affected
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|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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444
swarm
|
|
| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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445
lampoons
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|
| n.讽刺文章或言辞( lampoon的名词复数 )v.冷嘲热讽，奚落( lampoon的第三人称单数 ) | |
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446
betrothed
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|
| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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447
spouse
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|
| n.配偶(指夫或妻) | |
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448
extols
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|
| v.赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的第三人称单数 ) | |
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449
decries
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|
| v.公开反对，谴责( decry的第三人称单数 ) | |
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450
bribe
|
|
| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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451
auditor
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|
| n.审计员，旁听着 | |
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452
vindictive
|
|
| adj.有报仇心的，怀恨的，惩罚的 | |
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453
condescend
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|
| v.俯就，屈尊；堕落，丢丑 | |
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454
distill
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|
| vt.蒸馏，用蒸馏法提取，吸取，提炼 | |
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455
poetic
|
|
| adj.富有诗意的，有诗人气质的，善于抒情的 | |
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456
adversary
|
|
| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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457
prorogation
|
|
| n.休会，闭会 | |
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458
beget
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|
| v.引起；产生 | |
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459
emulation
|
|
| n.竞争；仿效 | |
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460
strife
|
|
| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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461
funereal
|
|
| adj.悲哀的；送葬的 | |
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462
posterity
|
|
| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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463
neatly
|
|
| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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464
augur
|
|
| n.占卦师；v.占卦 | |
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465
caressed
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|
| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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466
grovelling
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|
| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
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467
refractory
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|
| adj.倔强的，难驾驭的 | |
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468
precipice
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|
| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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469
faltering
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|
| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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470
dotage
|
|
| n.年老体衰；年老昏聩 | |
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471
rudiments
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|
| n.基础知识，入门 | |
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472
abating
|
|
| 减少( abate的现在分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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473
stature
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|
| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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474
appeased
|
|
| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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