Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ODES I, 11. CARPE DIEM, by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODES I, 11. CARPE DIEM, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Seek not, for thou shalt not find it, what may end, what thine shallbe
Last Line: Jealous time. Mistrust to-morrow, catch the blossom of to-day.
Alternate Author Name(s): Horace
Variant Title(s): Odes I, 11. To Leuconoe
Subject(s): Carpe Diem


SEEK not, for thou shalt not find it, what my end, what thine shall be;
Ask not of Chaldaea's science what God wills, Leuconoe:
Better far, what comes, to bear it. Haply many a wintry blast
Waits thee still; and this, it may be, Jove ordains to be thy last,
Which flings now the flagging sea-wave on the obstinate sandstone-reef.
Be thou wise: fill up the wine-cup; shortening, since the time is brief,
Hopes that reach into the future. While I speak, hath stol'n away
Jealous Time. Mistrust To-morrow, catch the blossom of To-day.





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