Book X, Epigram 44 (Ker)

QuiNTUS OviDius, purposing to visit the Caledonian Britons, and green Tethys, and father Ocean, can it be you desert the hills of Numa and Nomentan ease, and do not your fields and fireside hold you back in your old age? Enjoyment you put off, but Atropos does not also put off her spinning, and every hour is scored against you. You will have shown to your dear friend — who would not praise this? — that your sacred word is more to you than life; yet return to your Sabine farm, and there at length abide, and count yourself one of your own friends.