Book I, Epigram 15 (Ker)

Julius, O thou who art to be named second to none of my comrades, if long-continued faith and ancient claims are worth aught, already thy sixtieth consul's year is well-nigh treading on thy heels, yet thy life scarce numbers a few days. Not well shalt thou put off what thou seest may be denied; and count that only which has been as thine own. Cares and linked toils await us; joys abide not, but fugitive they fly. Grasp these with both thy hands, and hold them in thy full embrace; oft they glide away, even so, slipping out of the inmost bosom. It sorts not, believe me, with wisdom to say "I shall live." Too late is to-morrow's life; live thou to-day.