Book VII, Epigram 47 (Ker)

Most famed of learned men, Licinius Sura, whose old world tongue recalled our grave grandsires, thou art restored to us — ah, by how great a boon of Fate! — sent back when thou hadst well-nigh tasted Lethe's wave. Already had our prayers lost their fear; and sadness wept in calm despair, and to our tears thou wert already sped: the reproach the Lord of silent Avernus could not bear, and himself gave back their ravished distaff to the Fates. Wherefore thou knowest what plaints of men thy false death stirred, and dost enjoy succession to thyself. Live thy life as it were spoil, and pluck the joys that fly: life brought back should lose no day.