Book II

Book II, Epistle 1

Even thus far has the fame of the triumph of Cæsar arrived, whither the languid breeze of the wearied South wind comes with difficulty. I thought that there could be nothing pleasing to me in the regions of Scythia; the place is less hateful to me now, than it was before. The cloud of my cares being dispelled, I have, at length, seen a little clear sky: and thus I have deceived my destiny. Even if Cæsar should wish that no joys should fall to my lot, he may still be desirous that this one pleasure should be granted to every man. The Gods also command sorrow to be laid aside on their festivals, that they may be worshipped by all with cheerful veneration. In fine, what it is undoubted madness to dare to confess; even should he forbid it, I shall experience pleasure on this occasion. Often as Jupiter refreshes the fields with nourishing showers, the clinging burr is wont to spring up, mixed with the corn. I too, a useless weed, feel the effects of the bounteous Divinity; and often am I refreshed with unintentional benefits. The joys that pervade the mind of Cæsar are made my own, to the best of my ability: that house has nothing that belongs to itself alone. Fame, I return thee thanks; by means of whom the procession of triumph has been beheld by me, though shut up in the midst of the Getæ. Under thy instruction I learned that nations innumerable had lately assembled, to behold the features of their Prince; and that Rome, which embraces the immense world within her extensive walls, scarcely found room for their entertainment. Twas thou that didst tell me, how, after the lowering South wind for many a day before had poured down its constant showers, the Sun shone forth brilliantly with his heavenly refulgence, the day being in accordance with the countenances of the people; and how that the Conqueror, with the great honour of his eulogies, had distributed the prizes of war among the heroes bepraised hy him; and how that, when about to assume the embroidered garments, the insignia of glory, he first placed the frankincense on the hallowed altars; and how that he piously propitiated Justice, the peculiar Deity of his parent; she who ever holds a temple in his breast: and how that wherever he proceeded, a happy omen was given in shouts of applause, and the stones turned red with the dew-besprinkled roses. How that, next in order, along with the conquered men, the cities of the barbarians were carried, imitating in silver the real walls: and how that rivers and mountains, and meadows among lofty woods, and various arms were mingled with their weapons in trophy piles. And how that the roof of the Roman Forum was gilded by the triumphal gold, which the Sun shone upon. And how that as many chiefs bore chains fastened to their captive necks, as were almost sufficient to compose an army of the enemy. Of these, the greatest part received life and pardon; among whom was Bato, the head and the very existence of the war. Why should I deny that the wrath of the Divinity may possibly be mitigated against me, when I behold how the Gods are merciful to their enemies? The same report, Germanicus, brought the news to me, how that cities had passed in the procession under the title of thy name: and how that they were not secure against thee, either in the thickness of the walls, or in the arms with which they were defended, or in the natural advantages of their situation.

May the Gods grant thee length of years! I other blessings from thy own self thou wilt derive, let only length of time he granted for thy virtue. That which I pray, will come to pass; the prophecies of the Poets have some value; for the God gave an auspicious sign as I breathed the wish. Thee too, will Rome behold, in her joy, ascending as a conqueror to the Tarpeian heights, thy horses wreathed with garlands: the Father will behold the ripening honours of his son, experiencing that joy, which he himself has afforded by his own glories. Thou that art the first of our youths, both in war and in peace, mark the words that have just been spoken by me, as I uttered my prophecy to thee. Perhaps I shall recount this triumph as well in my verses, if my life shall only bear up against my woes: if I myself shall not have first dyed the Scythian arrows with my blood, and the savage Getan shall not have first struck off his head of mine with his sword. And if, while I am still living, the laurel shall be granted thee in the temples, thou wilt pronounce that my presage was doubly true.

Book II, Epistle 2

Naso, the admirer of thy family from his earliest years, now banished to the shores on the left of the Euxine sea, sends thee, Messalinus, this salutation, from among the savage Getæ, which he was accustomed to give thee personally. Wretched am I, if, when thou readest my name, thy countenance is not the same as once it was, and if thou hesitatest to read the rest to the end. Read them through, and do not banish my words, as -well as myself: it is allowed my verses to be in your City. I never conceived the thought that the brilliant stars could be touched by my hand, if Ossa could only bear Pelion. I have not, following the mad expedition of Enceladus, wielded arms against the Gods, the rulers of the earth. No Deities have been struck by any weapon of mine, as was done by the rash right hand of the son of Tydeus. My fault was a heavy one, but such as could ruin myself only; and no greater heinousness has it attained. I can be called nothing else than imprudent and timid; these are the two real characteristics of my mind. I acknowledge, indeed, that, with justice, thou dost not lend an easy ear to my entreaties, after the merited wrath of Cæsar. And such is thy affection to all who bear the name of lulus, that thou considerest thyself to be offended, when any one of them is offended. But even shouldst thou bear arms, and shouldst thou threaten cruel wounds, still thou wilt not cause me to be in dread of thee. The Trojan ship received the Grecian Achæmenides; and the spear of the son of Pelias bore aid to the Mysian chief. Sometimes the violator of the temple flies for refuge to the altar, and dreads not to implore the aid of the offended Deity. Some one, perhaps, may say that this is not safe; I confess it; but my bark is not sailing in smooth water. Let others seek safety. The most wretched Fate affords its security; for there is no fear of worse mishaps. The man that is hurried on by his destinies, what but his destinies should he entreat? Often does the prickly thorn produce the sweet rose; he that is carried along by the foaming tide, extends his arms towards the crag, and catches at the brambles and the hard rock; the bird that is in dread of the hawk, with trembling wings dares to come, in its weariness, to the breast of man; the hind that in its terror, is flying from the savage dogs, hesitates not to trust itself to the neighbouring house. Grant, I pray thee, most kind friend, access to my tears; and shut not the obdurate door to my kind words. And, do thou kindly carry these words of mine to the Deities of Rome, venerated by thee not less than the Thunderer of the Tarpeian. As my ambassador, undertake to plead the cause of this my request: although, under my name, no cause is really good. Now, nearly entombed, now assuredly cold as death, with difficulty shall I be saved by thee, if I am saved at all. On this occasion, the favour which the esteem of the immortal Prince bestows upon thee, may make an effort in behalf of my ruined fortunes. On this occasion, that brilliancy of speech, which is peculiar to the members of thy family, with which thou wast wont to aid the trembling accused, may be employed by thee. For in thee still lives the tongue of thy eloquent parent; and that point of excellence has found its own heir.

I intreat not that tongue to attempt to defend me; the cause of a criminal that has made a confession cannot be defended. Yet consider whether thou canst palliate my misdeed under the name of error, or whether it is better not to enter upon that point. The kind of wound is such, that as it admits of no cure, I consider it safer for it not to be handled. Be silent, thou tongue of mine; not another word must be said. I could wish myself to cover these ashes of mine. Take care, then, to speak in such a manner as if no mistake beguiled me, that I may enjoy that life which he has granted me. And when he shall be calm, and shall have laid aside that countenance, which agitates by its influence both the earth and the empire, entreat him not to allow me to become an humble prey to the Getæ, and to grant me a quiet spot for my wretched exile.

The time is propitious for thy entreaties; he himself is prosperous, and sees, O Rome, thy resources prospering, which he has created. His wife, in happiness, preserves her nuptial couch with chastity: his son is extending the sway of Ausonia. Germanicus himself is exceeding his years in his spirit, and the natural vigour of Drusus is not less than his greatness of soul. In addition to this, his daughters-in-law, and his affectionate granddaughters, and the children of his grandsons, and the other members of the house of Augustus, are flourishing. Add, too, that the Pæonians' have just now afforded a triumph, and that the arms of the mountainous Dalmatia have been reduced to tranquillity. Illyria, too, throwing away her arms, has not disdained to bear the foot of Cæsar, impressed on her servile head. He himself, conspicuous in his chariot, with a mild countenance, has had his temples wreathed with laurel, the produce of the virgin beloved by Phoebus. Him, as he went along, together with yourselves, his affectionate offspring attended— a? offspring worthy of their parent, and of the titles that have been given to them: an offspring like to the brothers, whom, as they occupy the neighbouring temple, the God Julius beholds from his lofty shrine. Messalinus does not deny, that to thee, to whom all things ought to give place, the first rank in happiness belongs. Whoever comes next after these, he enters into the contest of love for the Cæsars; thou, Messalinus, in this respect, shalt be the inferior of no mortal. Him dost thou venerate, by whose means, before the fitting age, the laurel, deservedly decreed to thee who merited it, descended upon thy honoured locks. Happy were they, to whom it was allowed to behold these triumphs, and to enjoy a sight of the face of a Prince that is the equal of the Gods. But by me, instead of the face of Cæsar, the country of the Sauromatæ must be beheld, a land devoid of peace, and water bound up in ice. But if thou hearest this, and if my voice reaches even so far; let thy favour be kindly employed, for a change of the place of my exile. This does thy father ask, who was venerated by me from my earliest years, if indeed that eloquent shade still enjoys any perception. This, too, does thy brother ask; although, perchance, he apprehends that thy care of saving me may be to thy injury. All thy family asks this; and thou thyself canst not deny it, that I was in the number of thy friends. With the exception of my Art df Love, often wast thou the prover of my talents, which I have since found that I employed to bad purpose. And to thy family, no cause for shame can my life afford, if only my last fault is excepted. May, then, the fortunes of thy family ever flourish, and may the Gods above, and the Cæsars, have a care for thee; supplicate the Divinity that is merciful, but that is deservedly offended with me, to remove me from the barbarism of this Scythian spot. 'Tis difficult, I confess; but courage seeks obstacles; and so much the greater will be my gratitude for thy deserts. And yet neither any Ætnæan Polyphemus in his vast cavern, nor any Antiphates, will be hearing thy words: but a parent, gentle and lenient, and ever ready to pardon; one who often thunders, without hurling his fiery bolts: one who, when he has come to a sad decision, himself too becomes sad; and to whom it is almost a punishment to inflict punishment. Yet his clemency has been overcome by my fault, and his anger has been forced to have recourse to his power.

And, since I am removed from my native land by the distance of the whole earth, and I have not the liberty to throw myself at the feet of the Deities themselves; do thou, as the priest, bear these requests of mine to the Gods above, whom thou dost adore; and to my words, add thy own entreaties as well. However, try these means only, if thou shalt be of opinion that they will not prove injurious. Pardon my timidity; once shipwrecked, I am in dread of the whole ocean.

Book II, Epistle 3

Maximus, thou, who by thy illustrious virtues, dost equal thy name, and dost not suffer the gifts of thy intellect to be)sed by thy nobleness of birth; honoured by me, even to the latest moment of my life, (for in what does this state differ from death?) Thou dost a thing, in not turning thy back upon thy friend in his affliction, than which there is nothing more uncommon in this thy age. It is a shocking thing, indeed, to be owned, but, if we must only confess the truth, the multitude esteems friendship according to interest. It is first, a care what is expedient, before what is honourable; and attachment both stands and falls with a maris fortunes. Among many thousands, thou wouldst not easily find one, to believe that virtue is its own reward. Its own comeliness, if there is no reward for a virtuous action, does not influence them, and they are sorry to be honest for no recompense. There is nothing dear to them but that which is for their advantage. Go, now, and deprive the greedy mind of the hope of profit, and not one will be found, to practise virtue for nothing. But now-a-days every one loves his own interest, and he reckons, on his anxious fingers, what may turn out useful to himself. The once venerated name of Friendship is prostituted, and she sits like a harlot, to he bought at a price. The more, then, do I admire thee, that thou, as well, art not contaminated by the blemish of the universal vice, as though by a rushing torrent. No one now, is beloved, but the many to whom Fortune is favourable: soon as she thunders, she chases away all that are near. See my own case; I was once surrounded with no few friends, while the favouring breeze swelled my sails; soon as the raging billows were aroused by the boisterous wind, I was left, in the midst of the waves, in a shattered bark: and while the rest were unwilling to appear even to have known me, barely two or three of you gave aid to me, thus prostrate. Of them, thou wast the chief; and thou wast deserving not to be the follower of others, but the originator; not to seek an example, but to give one. Virtue and attachment, lend their aid to thee, deriving no profit from thy actions, except the fact, that thou hast not acted amiss. In thy judgment, virtue requires no reward, and is to be sought for her own sake, unaccompanied by external benefits. Thou thinkest it a disgrace for a friend to be repulsed, because he is in misery; and for him to cease to belong to thee, because he is unfortunate. It is more merciful to place the hands under the wearied chin of the swimmer, than to overwhelm his head in the flowing waters. See, what the grandson of Æacus did for his friend, after his death; and consider, that this life of mine is as had as death.

Theseus accompanied Pirithous to the Stygian waves. In what degree does my fate differ from the Stygian streams! The youth from Phocis attended Orestes in his madness; my error, also, has no little amount of insanity. Do thou, too, accept these praises of the illustrious heroes; and, as thou art wont to do, give thy aid, so far as thou canst, to me thus ruined. If I know thee aright; if thou art now also what formerly thou wast wont to be, and if thy spirit has not failed thee; the more fiercely Fortune rages, the more strongly dost thou resist; and, as befits thee, thou takest care, that she shall not overcome thee. An enemy that fights well, causes thee, too, to fight well; so that the same cause works both for my advantage and my disadvantage. In truth, inestimable youth, thou thinkest it not worthy of thee, to become the attendant on Fortune, the Goddess that stands upon the wheel. Thou art steadfast, and inasmuch as they are not such as thou couldst wish, thou guidest the sails, such as they are, of my shattered bark. And so greatly have its ruins been shaken, as to have been deemed on the point of falling; but they still stand, supported by thy shoulders. At first indeed, thy wrath was just, and not any lighter than his, who was deservedly offended with me: and thou wast wont to swear that the same grief which affected the heart of the great Cæsar, was forthwith thine own. But, when the cause of my downfall was heard of by thee, thou art reported to have grieved much at my faults. Then, for the first time, did thy letters begin to console me; and to afford a hope that the offended God could be propitiated. Then, the constancy of thy continued friendship, which commenced with me before thy birth, moved thee in my favour; both because, whereas thou didst become so to others, to me thou wast born a friend; and because, in the cradle, I gave thee the first kisses. And, whereas, thy family was ever revered by me, from my tenderest years, now in my old age, I am compelled to become a burden to thee. 'Twas thy father, the embodiment of all eloquence in the Latian language, that was not less, in degree, than the nobleness of his birth, that first urged me to dare to trust my verses to Fame; he was the guide of my genius. I assert, too, that thy brother cannot recollect at what time he first enjoyed my friendship. But, thee, before all, did I so embrace, that thou, alone, mightst be my comfort in any calamity. The extreme shores of Italy saw me together with thee, and received the tears that fell down my sorrowing cheeks; at the time, when, as thou didst enquire whether the news was true, which an evil report of my error had circulated, I was hesitating, in doubt whether to confess, in doubt whether to deny, while alarm showed the marks of fear; and, just like the snow, which the watery South wind melts, the starting tear was trickling down my affrighted cheeks. Calling these things, then, to memory; and because thou seeest that the charges against me can be veiled under the forgiveness of a first error; thou regardest thy former friend amid the wreck of his fortunes; and thou soothest my wounds with thy consolations. In return for this, if I might be allowed to form a wish, I would pray a thousand blessings for thee, so well deserving of them. But, if wishes entertained by thee, are alone granted me, then I will pray that Cæsar and thy mother too, may live long in health. This is the request, that I remember thou wast wont first to make of the Gods, when thou didst sacrifice upon the altars, rich with frankincense.

Book II, Epistle 4

Receive the converse of Naso from the freezing Danube, Atticus, in my estimation one not to be doubted. And dost thou still bear in memory thy unhappy friend? or is weakened affection deserting its post? The Gods are not so far hostile to me that I could believe it, or suppose it possible that thou dost not now remember me. Before my eyes thy form stands, and is ever there; and mentally, I seem to behold thy features. I call to recollection many an hour of seriousness that has been spent by me together with thee; and no few occasions that have been devoted to pleasing sportiveness. Often did the hours seem too short-lived for our prolonged conversation; often was the day shorter than was my discourse. Often did my verses, but just composed come to thy ears, and my new-born Muse was submitted to thy judgment. What thou wast wont to praise, I used to think would please the public; that was the delightful reward of my recent labours. And as my book was corrected by the criticism of my friend, many a time was an erasure made at thy suggestion.

Together did the market-places behold us, and every portico, the streets, and the curving theatres, our seats being next to each other. In fact, dearest friend, as great was the affection between us, as between the grandson of Æacus and the grandson of Actor. I could not believe, even shouldst thou drink the cup of Lethe, that banishes care, that these things could fade from thy memory. Sooner shall the long days arrive under the Constellation of midwinter, and the nights of the summer solstice shall be more tardy than those of winter; Babylon shall experience no heat, Pontus no cold, and the marigold shall surpass the roses of Pæstum in fragrance; than forgetfulness of my fortunes shall overtake thee. Not to that extent is no part of my destiny happy. But be it thy care that this confidence be not pronounced unfounded, and called a silly credulity: defend, too, thy old friend with firm constancy, so far as thou canst, and so far as I shall be no burden to thee.

Book II, Epistle 5

I, Naso, have here sent to my friend Salanus my words formed into unequal numbers, prefacing them with my salutation. I desire it may obtain its fulfilment; and that it may realize its good omen by facts, I pray that this may be read by thee, my friend, in good health. Thy sincerity, a thing almost extinct in these days, requires me to form such wishes. For, although I was known to thee by but a slight acquaintanceship, thou art said to have lamented over my banishment; and when thou didst read my verses, sent from the far distant Pontus, thy kindness defended them, such as they were. Thou, too, didst wish that the wrath of the favoured Cæsar against me, would be but short-lived; and, did he know it, he himself would allow of such a wish. Of thy own natural excellence, hast thou conceived wishes so kind; and not the less pleasing are they to me, on that account.

And 'tis worthy of belief, most learned one, that thou art the more moved by my misfortunes, through the nature of this place. In the whole world (believe me) thou couldst scarcely find a spot which, less than this, enjoys Peace, the gift of Augustus. But here thou readest verses composed amid direful battles, and, as thou readest, thou approvest of them with favouring lips. Thou praisest, too, my genius, which flows with but an humble stream, and of a brook thou makest great rivers. This approval is, indeed, pleasing to my spirit; although thou canst hardly suppose that the wretched can be productive of pleasure for themselves. But as long as I attempt verses upon humble subjects, my ability is equal to my scanty matter. Lately, when the fame of the great triumph reached here, I dared to commence upon a work of so great importance. The magnitude and the splendour of the subject overwhelmed me, while thus daring; and I was unable to endure the burden of my enterprize. There, will be found duteous attention on my part, for thee to praise; all the rest is deficient, being weakened by the subject-matter. And if, perchance, my book has come to thy ears, I request that it may experience thy protection. Let regard for me be added as some small obligation by thee, who would have done this, even if I myself had not entreated thee. It is not I that deserve the praise, but 'tis thy heart, more unspotted than milk, and than the untrodden snow. Thou admirest others, when thou thyself art the object of admiration; neither thy learning nor thy eloquence can be concealed. The Prince of the youths, to whom Germany gives a name, is wont to have thee, as a companion in his studies. Thou, his companion of old, thou, united to him from his earliest years, delightest him by thy genius, that equals thy virtues. As thou declaimest, the inspiration immediately rises in him: and he has thee to elicit his words by thy own. When thou hast ceased, and the lips of men are at rest, and when thus shut they have no long time been silent; the youth arises that is worthy of the surname of Iulus, just as the light-bearing star arises from out of the Eastern wave. And while he silently stands, his carriage and his aspect are those of a man of eloquence, and his becoming dress creates the expectation of a graceful delivery. Then, when delay is put an end to, and his heavenly mouth is opened, you could swear that in this manner the Gods above are wont to speak; and you would say, "This is eloquence befitting a Prince, so much nobleness is there in his language. Although thou art thus pleasing to him, and touchest the stars with thy head, thou still thinkest that the writings of the exiled Poet are worthy to be had. In truth, there is a certain alliance between kindred spirits, and each one cherishes the ties of his own pursuit. The rustic loves the husbandman; the soldier him that wages the cruel war; the helmsman the pilot of the veering ship. Thou too, lover of study, art influenced with a love for the Pierian maids, and, thou dost, O man of genius, feel sympathy for my genius. Our occupations are different; but they arise from the same source, and each of us is the cultivator of a liberal art. For the thyrsus" has been wielded by thee, the laurel by me; but enthusiasm ought to belong to us both. And as thy eloquence gives vigour to my numbers; so from us poets comes the requisite polish for thy language.

With reason, then, dost thou think that verses are on the confines of thy pursuits, and that the ties of communion in study ought to be defended. In return for this, I pray that he, with whose acquaintanceship thou art honoured, may remain thy friend to the last moments of thy life; and that he may succeed to guide the reins of the world, that belong to thee, Augustus: a thing which the prayers of the public also entreat.

Book II, Epistle 6

The sorrowing Naso, who formerly was wont, personally with his voice, to do so, salutes Græcinus from the Euxine waves. This is the voice of the exile. This letter finds me a tongue, and were I not allowed to write, I should be dumb. Thou blamest, as thou oughtst, the offence of thy foolish companion; and thou teachest me to endure woes inferior to my deserts. Thou utterest a rebuke against my fault, true indeed, but tardy. Cease harsh expressions, to a criminal who has made his confession. So long as I was able to pass by Ceraunia with a steady sail, I was to be advised how to avoid the dangerous rocks. Of what use is it to me now, when my shipwreck has happened, to learn what course my bark ought to steer? Rather extend thy arms, to be grasped by the weary swimmer, and think it no trouble to place thy hands under my chin. And so thou dost, and so, I pray, continue to do. May thy mother and thy wife, may thy brother and all thy family be prospering. And — what thou art wont to pray in thy spirit, and ever with thy voice — mayst thou, in all thy actions, meet with the approval of the Cæsars. Twould be a disgrace for thee to have given no aid, in any degree, to thy old friend, in his afflicted circumstances. 'Tis a disgrace to turn back again, and not to stand with a firm attitude; 'tis a disgrace to desert the ship in distress; 'tis a disgrace to follow chance, and to yield to fortune, and to deny that a person is one's friend, unless he is prosperous. Not so lived the sons of Strophius and of Agamemnon; such were not the ties of the son of Ægeus and Pirithous. These a past age has admired, and a succeeding age will admire; in their applause, whole theatres re-echo.

Thou too, art worthy, having served thy friend in his adversity, to reckon thy name among heroes so great Thou art worthy of it: and since thou deservest praise for thy attachment, my gratitude for thy affection shall not prove dumb. Believe me (if my verses shall not perish), thou shalt be often on the lips of posterity. Only do, Græcinus, remain constant to me, thus ruined; and let that warmth of feeling endure for many a day. Although thou dost grant this, still do I use my oars in the breeze. There is no harm in giving spur to a horse even at full speed.

Book II, Epistle 7

This letter of mine, Atticus, sent from amid the half-subdued Getæ, first bids thee to be saluted; next follows the pleasure of hearing what thou art doing; and if, whatever thou art doing, thou still hast regard for me. I doubt not but thou hast; but the very dread of evils often compels me to entertain unnecessary fears. Pardon me, I pray, and forgive my excess of apprehension: the shipwrecked man dreads the waves, even when calm. The fish that has once been hurt by the lurking hook, thinks that the barbed brass is concealed in every morsel; oft does the lamb fly from the dog, seen afar, and believes it to be the wolf, and unknowingly, shuns its own protector; the wounded limb shudders at even a gentle touch; and the unsubstantial shadow strikes alarm in the apprehensive. So I, pierced with the cruel darts of Fortune, conceive in my breast nothing but sadness. Now I feel assured that my destiny, preserving the course it had commenced, will always pursue the paths to which it has accustomed itself. I think that the Gods keep watch, that nothing may turn out to my advantage; and I hardly think that Fortune can be deceived; she has a determination to ruin me, and she who was once wont to be fickle, is now constant and well-assured in her hostility. Believe me, if I am known to thee to be of truthful speech, no deceit can there be in my misfortunes. Sooner wilt thou reckon the ears of the Cinyphian standing corn, and with how many sprigs of thyme the lofty Hybla is blooming; sooner wilt thou ascertain for certain, how many birds are soaring in the air on the wing, and how many fishes are swimming in the sea, than the amount of my troubles can be reckoned, which I have endured by land and by sea. There is no nation, in all the world, more savage than the Getæ, and yet even these have lamented over my calamities. Did I attempt to enumerate them to thee, in exact lines, 'twould be a long Iliad on my destinies. I fear not, then, because I suppose thee to give grounds for fear, whose love has afforded me a thousand pledges; but, because every one in misery is but a timid -creature, and because for a long time the door has been shut against my happiness. Sorrow has now become a habit with me; as rocks are hollowed out by the constant contact of the falling water, so am I wounded by the lasting blows of Fortune; and scarcely can a fresh wound find on me any spot unharmed. Not more is the plough consumed by continual use; not more has the Appian way been worn by the curving wheels, than my heart has been overpowered by its series of ills; and nothing have I found to give me relief. Glory has been attained by many through the liberal arts; I myself have been undone by my own endowments. My former life is without fault, and has been spent without a blemish; yet that gave me no aid in my distress. Many a time is a serious fault pardoned at the entreaties of one's friends: in my behalf all influence was dumb. In adverse circumstances, to be present is of use to others; this tremendous storm has overwhelmed this head of mine in my absence. Who has not dreaded even the silent wrath of Cæsar? Harsh expressions have formed an addition to my punishment. Banishment is sometimes made more tolerable by its season; I, cast upon the ocean, have been exposed to Arcturus, and the threats of the Pleiades. Ships are wont often to experience a calm winter; to the bark of the Ithacan the waves were not more boisterous. The faithful attachment of one's companions would have been able to alleviate evils of such magnitude; a perfidious set were enriched by my spoils. The place makes exile more endurable; no land, more repulsive than this, lies extended beneath the two poles. Tis something to be near the confines of one's country; a most remote region, the end of the earth, confines me. Thy laurels, too, Cæsar, ensure peace to the exiled; the Pontic land lies exposed to the neighbouring foe. 'Tis pleasant to pass one's time in the cultivation of the land; the barbarian enemy allows not the ground to be turned up. Both the body and the spirit are refreshed by a temperate climate; the Sarmatian shores are frozen with everlasting cold. In pure water there is a comfort that is begrudged to none; here, the water of the marsh is drunk, mixed with the brine of the sea.

I am deficient in all comforts; and yet my spirit subdues everything; for 'tis that which makes even my body to exert its strength. To sustain one's burden, you must strive with the head fully erect; but, should you suffer the muscles to bend, it will fall. Hope too, that the wrath of the Prince may be moderated in length of time, prevents me from desiring not to live, and from utterly perishing. And no little consolation do you afford me, ye few friends, whose attachment has been proved throughout my misfortunes. Persist in thy resolves, I pray, and abandon not my bark on the ocean; and preserve both thy regard for me, and for the opinion that thou hast formed.

Book II, Epistle 8

The one Cæsar with the other, Gods whose likenesses thou didst lately send me, have arrived safe, Maximus Cotta; and that thy present may embrace the number that it ought, Livia is there, added to her Cæsars. Happy is the silver, and more blest than any gold, which, when in its rough state it had its value, will now be as a Divinity to me. By presenting me with riches, thou couldst not have given me greater wealth, than these three Divinities, that have been set before my face. 'Tis something to behold the Gods, and to think that they are pre sent, and to be able to converse as though with the real Divinity. How great a gift, ye Gods! The remotest region does not confine me now; and once again, as formerly, I live in safety in the midst of the City. I see the features of Cæsar, as I formerly used to see them; scarcely did I hope for the fulfilment of that prayer; and, as once I did, so now I salute the heavenly Divinity. Thou hast nothing preferable, I think, that thou couldst offer me on my return. What is wanting to my eyes, but the Palace alone? a place which, if Cæsar is away, becomes worthless. When I look upon him, I seem to be beholding Rome; for in himself he bears the majestic features of his country. Am I deceived; or are the features frowning upon me in the likeness, and has the stern figure a certain threatening aspect? Pardon me, thou hero, by thy virtues elevated above the immense world, and draw in the avenging reins of thy retribution. Pardon me, I pray, thou everlasting glory of our age; whom his own watchfulness makes to be the ruler of the world. By the name of thy country, which is dearer to thee than thyself; by the Gods, who are never deaf to thy prayers; by the partner of thy bed, who alone has been found worthy of thee, and to whom thy majesty of character has not proved a source of anxiousness; by thy son, like to thee in the resemblance of his virtues, and who, by his morals, can be recognized as belonging to thee; and by thy grandsons, worthy both of their grandsire, and of their father, and who, by rapid strides, are realizing thy wishes; do, but in a very small degree, alleviate my punishment and moderate it; and grant me a place afar from the Scythian foe. And, (if so it may be), thou, Cæsar, that art next after Cæsar Augustus I be thy Divinity not hostile to these my entreaties. May, ere long, savage Germany be borne, with timorous features, before thy triumphant horses. May thy father live to the years of the Pylian Nestor, thy mother to those of the Cumæan Sibyl, and long mayst thou remain a son. And thou, fitting wife for a husband so mighty, listen with no obdurate ears to the entreaties of me, a suppliant. Then may thy husband be ever prosperous; then, with thy children, may thy grandsons, and together with thy daughters-in-law, the children which those daughters-in-law have borne, be prosperous. Then may Drusus, whom cruel Germany snatched from thee, be the only portion of thy progeny to perish; then, may thy son, clad in purple, press on his snow-white steeds, in his warfare the avenger of his brother's death. Accede, ye most merciful Divinities, to these my timorous prayers; may it be of some advantage to me, to have the Gods in my presence. On the approach of Cæsar, the gladiator quits the entire arena, and his countenance affords no slight aid. Let it be of some benefit to me as well, that, so far as I can, I behold your features; since one house has been visited by three Divinities. Blessed are they who behold, not the resemblance, but the originals; and who, face to face, see the real persons of the Gods. And since unkind fate has denied me this, I worship with my prayers what art has granted me, the resemblance of them. Tis thus that men are acquainted with the Gods whom the lofty skies conceal; and in place of Jove, the form of Jove is venerated. Lastly, have ye a care that your likenesses, which are, and which ever shall be, in my possession, be not in a place displeasing to you. For my head shall sooner part from my neck, and sooner will I allow my eyes to leave my gouged cheeks, than I will part with you torn from me, ye Gods of the commonwealth. You shall be my harbour, and the altar of my exile. You will I embrace, if I am surrounded with the Getic arms; you will I follow as my eagles, you as my standards. Either I deceive myself, and am deluded by my excessive longing, or a hope does suggest itself, of a more desirable place of banishment; for less and less stern are the features in the likeness, and the countenance appears to assent to my requests. May the presages of my anxious mind be truthful, I pray; and, just though it be, may the wrath of the Divinity become moderated.

Book II, Epistle 9

Cotys, offspring of kings, the origin of whose noble race extends even to the name of Eumolpus; if garrulous report has now reached thy ears, that I am lying prostrate in a part of the earth that is neighbouring to thee; listen, most merciful of youths, to the voice of a suppliant; and give that aid which thou canst to me an exile (for such thou canst do). Fortune has delivered me to thee; this is a thing on which I shall make no complaint; in this thing alone, she has proved not hostile to me. Receive my wrecked ship on no inhospitable shore, that the waves may not prove safer to me than the land. 'Tis a regal thing (believe me) to assist the distressed; and it befits so great a man as thou thyself art. This becomes thy fortune, which, glorious though it be, can hardly prove itself equal to thy greatness of soul. Power is never beheld under circumstances more favourable, than as oft as it does not allow entreaties to be in vain. This the splendour of thy family requires; this is the task of a nobleness derived from the Gods above. This course Eumolpus, the most illustrious founder of thy family, and Ericthonius, who was before Eumolpus, recommend to thee. This thou hast in common with the Deity; that both of you, when entreated, are wont to give aid to those who supplicate you. For what reason would there be for us to worship the Deities with the usual rites, if you deny that the Gods are inclined to assist us? If Jupiter will turn a deaf ear to him that entreats, why should the stricken victim fall before the temple of Jupiter? If the sea will give me no rest on my voyage, why should I offer the useless frankincense to Neptune? Why should Ceres receive the entrails of a pregnant sow, if she denies the unavailing prayer of the toiling husbandman? No he-goat will, as a victim, present his throat to the long-haired Bacchus, if no new wine flows under the pressure of the foot. I pray that Cæsar will guide the reins of empire, because so well does he consult the advantage of his country. Tis interest, then, that renders both men and Gods illustrious; each of us esteeming his own especial benefactor. And do thou, O Cotys, offspring worthy of thy parent, give some assistance to one who lies prostrate within thy camp. 'Tis a becoming pleasure for one man to save another; and by no act is favour more readily sought. Who does not execrate Antiphates the Læstrygon? Or who disapproves of the manners of the munificent Alcinous? He of Cassandria is not thy father, or one of the race of Pheræ; or he who roasted the inventor in his own contrivance; but one, as valiant in battle, and as unused to be subdued in arms, as he is averse to bloodshed, when peace is concluded. Besides, to have thoroughly studied the liberal arts, softens the manners, and suff'ers them not to be brutal. And no king has been better prepared by them than thou, or has given more time to the pursuits of peace. Thy verses testify this; if thou wast to conceal thy name, I should not say that a young man of Thrace had composed them. That Orpheus might not be the only poet of this region, the Bistonian land is rendered proud by thy genius. And, as thou hast the courage, when circumstances demand it, to take up arms, and to etain thy hands with the blood of the enemy; and as thou art skilled at hurling the javelin with thy extended arm, and at guiding the neck of the swift steed; so, when due time has been devoted to the pursuits of thy country, and when the task of valour is at rest from off thy shoulders, peculiarly its own; in order that thy hours of retirement may not waste away in sluggish sleep, thou seekest the bright stars by the path of the Pierian maids. This thing, too, creates some tie between thee and me: we are both of us worshippers at the same rites. To a poet, do I, a poet, extend my arms in supplication, that thy land may prove hospitable to my exile. I have not come to the Pontic shores as one guilty of murder, nor have any fell poisons been mixed by my hand; and no seal of mine has been convicted of impressing a forged mark on strings within which any documents are enclosed. Nor have I done any thing, which I am forbidden by the laws to do; and yet, a graver fault than all these must be confessed by me.

But, lest thou shouldst ask what it is, I have written a silly work on the Art of Love, 'Tis that, which forbids my hands to be guiltless. But ask not on what other subject I have erred; and let my fault be concealed under my Art of Love alone. Whatever it is, I have been sensible of the moderation of the anger of the avenger, who has deprived me of nothing but the land of my birth. Since I am deprived of that, let thy vicinity now cause me to be in safety in this hated place.

Book II, Epistle 10

Dost thou know, Macer, from the impression of the seal affixed, that it is Naso who writes to thee these words? And if the seal ring is not the discoverer of the writer, are these letters, written with my own hand, recognized by thee? or does length of time deprive thee of the recollection of them, and do thy eyes fail to recall to memory the ancient characters? Although thou mayst have forgotten both my seal and my handwriting, I only hope that love of me has not forsaken thee. This thou owest both to the intimacy of a length of years, and to the fact, that my wife is no stranger to thee, and to thy pursuits which thou hast followed with more prudence than I have, and hast not been guilty of any Art of Love as became thee. Thou singest whatever was left undone by the immortal Homer; that the Trojan wars may not be without a finishing hand. Naso, a proficient of little prudence, while he is producing the Art of Love, receives a sad reward for his learning. Yet with poets there are common ties among themselves, although we each of us pursue our separate path. Of these, though I am far away, I suspect that thou art not forgetful, and that thou hast a desire to alleviate my calamities. Under thy guidance, I beheld the magnificent cities of Asia; under thy guidance, Trinacria was viewed by my eyes. We beheld the heavens glowing with the flames of Ætna, which the Giant, placed beneath the mountain, belches from his mouth; and the lakes of Henna, and the fetid pools of Palicus, and the spot where Anapus joins Cyane with its waters; and, not far thence, the Nymph, who, as she flies from the river of Elis, runs, under cover, even beneath the waves of the sea. Here, a large portion of the passing year was spent by me. Alas! how unlike is that region to the Getic land! And, how small a part is this, of the things which we saw together, as thou didst render the journey delightful to me; whether we were ploughing the azure waves, in the painted ship, or whether the twowheeled chaise bore us, with its active wheels. Often did our journey appear short, by our interchange of conversation; and, shouldst thou number them, our words were more numerous than our steps. Often was the daytime too short for our discourse; and, while talking, the long hours of the summer day proved too short. 'Tis something, together, to have dreaded the dangers of the sea, and to have offered our united prayers to the Gods of the ocean; to have, at one time, transacted business together, and to be able to recall to memory, at another time, the sallies of wit that followed it, and of which we need not be ashamed. If these things recur to thee, though I am far away, at all hours shall I be before thy eyes', as though that moment seen.

I myself, indeed, though I am under the sky of the extremity of the world, which always stands aloof from the flowing waters, still regard thee with the only feelings that I can, and often do I converse with thee, under that freezing firmament. Thou art here, and thou knowest it not; thou art, while absent, repeatedly present: and thou comest, beheld by me, from the midst of the City among the Getæ. Make me some return; and since that place is a more happy one, ever retain me there, in thy constant breast.

Book II, Epistle 11

Naso, the author of the Art of Love, an unfortunate work, sends thee this book, hurried off in a short space of time; that, although we are separated by the wide distance of the whole world, thou mightst be enabled to perceive that I keep thee in remembrance.

Sooner shall forgetfulness of my own name come upon me, than thy affection be banished from my breast. And sooner will I give up this breath to the vacant air, than the grateful recollection of thy kindness shall fade. I esteem the tears with which thou didst moisten thy face, when my own was dry in tearless grief, a great mark of kindness. I call thy consolation to a distressed mind, a great mark of kindness; When thou didst afford it, both to me and to thyself. Of her own accord, indeed, and of herself, my wife is deserving of all praise; still by thy admonition is she improved. For, what Castor was to Hermione, Hector to Iulus, the same do I congratulate myself that thou art to my wife. Not to be unlike thee in virtue, is her aim; and by her life does she prove that she is of thy family. Therefore, what she would have done without any persuasion, the same does she do more abundantly, having found thee as an encourager. The steed that is thorough-bred, and that of itself would gain the honours of victory in the race, if you encourage it, will run even more swiftly. Besides, thou dost perform my requests, thus absent, with faithful diligence, and thou deemest it no trouble to bear any burden. Oh! may the Gods give thee a recompense, since I myself cannot: the Gods, who will reward, if they witness acts of affection. May thy body, too, last long, for the practice of those virtues, Rufus, thou greatest glory of the Fundanian soil.