wall [of Neptune's temple] demonstrates,[1] by a votive tablet, that I have consecrated my dropping garments to the powerful god of the sea.
ODE VI.
TO AGRIPPA.
You shall be described by Varius, a bird[2] of Mæonian verse, as brave, and a subduer of your enemies, whatever achievements your fierce soldiery shall have accomplished, under your command; either on ship-board[3] or on horseback. We humble writers, O Agrippa, neither undertake these high subjects, nor the destructive wrath of inexorable Achilles, nor the voyages of the crafty[4] Ulysses, nor the cruel house of Pelops: while diffidence, and the Muse who presides over the peaceful lyre, forbid me to diminish the praise of illustrious Cæsar, and yours, through defect of genius. Who with sufficient dignity will describe Mars covered with adamantine coat of mail, or Meriones swarthy with Trojan dust, or the son of Tydeus by the favor of Pallas a match for the gods? We, whether free, or ourselves enamored of aught, light as our wont, sing of banquets; we, of the battles of maids desperate against young fellows—with pared nails.[5]
- ↑ He alludes to a custom among the Romans, of offering some votive tablet or picture to the god by whose power they thought themselves preserved from shipwreck. In these pictures the storm and circumstances of their escape were represented. Dac.
- ↑ The term alite refers to a custom, in which the ancient poets often indulged, of likening themselves to the eagle and the swan; Μουσᾶν ὄρνιχες. Theocr. Id. vii. Anthon.
- ↑ Agrippa gained the victory in two sea-fights. The first against Pompey's lieutenants; the second against Pompey himself, besides the share which he had in the battle of Actium. Cruq.
- ↑ Perhaps the poet intended to express Ulysses' appearing through the whole Odyssey in two characters, or, if the expression may be allowed, in a double character, such as a prince and a beggar, etc. Francis.
- ↑ See Orelli; who regards this conclusion as merely jocular.
