Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EPODE: 2. THE HAPPY LIFE, by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPODE: 2. THE HAPPY LIFE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O blessed man! Who, homely bred
Last Line: Thus would I live, thus would I die.
Alternate Author Name(s): Horace
Subject(s): Life


O BLESSED man! who, homely bred,
In lowly cell can pass his days,
Feeding on his well-gotten bread;
And hath his God's not others' ways.

That doth into a prayer wake,
And rising, not to bribes or bands,
The power that doth him happy make,
Hath both his knees, as well as hands.

His threshold he doth not forsake,
Or for the city's cates, or trim;
His plough, his flock, his scythe, and rake,
Do physic, clothe, and nourish him.

By some sweet stream, clear as his thought,
He seats him with his book and line;
And though his hand have nothing caught,
His mind hath whereupon to dine.

He hath a table furnish'd strong,
To feast a friend, no flattering snare,
And hath a judgment and a tongue
That know to welcome and beware.

His afternoon spent as the prime
Inviting where he mirthful sups;
Labour, or seasonable time,
Brings him to bed and not his cups.

Yet, ere he take him to his rest,
For this and for their last repair,
He, with his household meek address'd,
Offer their sacrifice of prayer.

If then a loving wife he meets,
Such as a good man should lie by,
Bless'd Eden is betwixt these sheets.
Thus would I live, thus would I die.





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