Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Translation Test- Horace Ode 1.37

Now is the time to drink, now is the time for free feet to move

Now is the time for the people of Salii to feast and decorate the sacred couch in the temple of the gods, friend.

Previously it was a crime to make Caesubum wine in the ancestral cellar

While the queen went insane from power

And prepared for the death of her government

The queen was foul and shameful

Her servants were sick and weak men

Drunk with the wine from victory

Cleopatra escaped from the fire with only one ship

The cheap wine from Mareotis made the queen

Frenzied and she feared that Caesar was coming from Actium

Pressing hard upon their oars, just like the soft hawk

The fatal monster, which is with dignity

She does not die like a woman

She is frightened by the sword, but does not try to hide

Even the wise king looked a her judged face

The now peaceful face, it is fierce and strong to behold serpents

Her body drinks the poison entirely

Consider carefully her fierce death:

Surely envious are those on the fierce war ships

Her pride led like a humble woman's triumph

Extra Credit

Horace's dedication was heartfelt and sincere, while Catullus' dedication was making fun of his friend, Cornelius. Horace dedicated his poetry to his patron and friend, Maecenas. Horace praises Maecenas for being noble, Catullus sarcastically talks about Cornelius.

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