Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ODE X, 2, by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODE X, 2, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Would you, my friend, true bliss obtain
Last Line: Be humble, and contract your sails.
Alternate Author Name(s): Horace
Subject(s): Happiness; Life; Life Change Events; Joy; Delight


WOULD you, my friend, true bliss obtain?
Nor press the coast, nor tempt the main.
In open seas loud tempests roar.
And treacherous rocks begirt the shore.

Hatred to all extremes is seen
In those who love the golden mean.
They nor in palaces rejoice,
Nor is the sordid cot their choice.

The middle state of life is best,
Exalted stations find no rest;
Storms shake the' aspiring pine, and tower,
And mountains feel the thunder's power.

The mind prepar'd for each event,
In every state maintains content.
She hopes the best, when storms prevail,
Nor trusts too far the prosperous gale.

Should time returning winters bring,
Returning winter yields to spring.
Should darkness shroud the present skies,
Hereafter brighter suns shall rise.

When Pæan shoots his fiery darts,
Disease and death transfix our hearts;
But oft the god withholds his bow,
In pity to the race below.

When clouds the angry heavens deform,
Be strong, and brave the swelling storm;
Amidst prosperity's full gales
Be humble, and contract your sails.





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