Forgotten Ground Regained
To Varius
(Horace, Odes, 1.6),
Swan-like, Varius · of Homeric songwill write of your victories · over foes, and your valor,whatever the deeds done · by the undaunted soldiersyou lead into battle · by boat or on horseback.My skill’s too meager · to try the subjectAgrippa, or tell of · Achilles’ harsh gall,who never stepped backward, nor of the sea-voyageof crafty Ulysses, or Pelops’ cruel house,and all such high matters, because modestyand the Muse who wields · the unwarlike lyrewon’t let me praise you · or peerless Caesarand tarnish your triumphs · through my lack of talent.Who else is worthy to write · of well-armored Marsin his metal-hard tunic, or of Meriones,his figure turned dark · with Trojan dirt,or Diomedes, god-peer · by the help of high Pallas?I sing of banquets · and the battles of maidenswith their fierce youth · and nails finely-trimmed,whether love singes me · or I’m (gladly) single,keeping light-hearted · as is my custom.
Copyright © Kevin Corbett, 2016
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