ODE XV.—HAPPY LIFE.
Famed Gyges' treasures I could see,[1]
From envious thoughts and wishes free.
On golden heaps with scorn I frown;
I would not wear a monarch's crown.
Far other joys and cares are mine,
For which such bawbles I resign.
To bathe my beard with sweet perfumes,[2]
To crown my brows with spring's fresh blooms;
These—these are things that claim my care.
This day is mine—I'll freely share
The joys it brings; for who can know
If he shall see the next or no?
Then, while thy summer sky is clear,
Nor death nor danger hover near,
The happy hours of life employ
In song, and dance, and festive joy;
And let the rattling dice assign[3]
The royal honours of the wine,
Ere surly Death thy garland tear,
Or fell disease with frown severe,
Forbid the nectar'd juice to sip,
And dash the goblet from thy lip.
- ↑ According to Herodotus, Gyges was the favourite of Candaules, king of Lydia, whose queen was remarkably and passionately admired by her husband. In his vanity he extolled her charms above measure to Gyges, and, to convince him of her beauty, determined to give him an opportunity of seeing her undressing. This he effected, but not without the queen's discovering the affront; who next morning sent for Gyges, and resolutely told him he must either suffer immediate death for what he had done, or despatch Candaules, and take her and the kingdom of Lydia for his recompense. The choice was difficult, as he greatly valued his master: however, the love of life prevailed: he stabbed Candaules, married the queen, and took possession of the kingdom.
- ↑ The Turks and Persians take a particular pride in this venerable appendage, and consume much time in dressing and perfuming it.
- ↑ It was usual among the ancients to appoint a master of the feast by the cast of dice, whose office it was to determine the size and number of the cups, and to decide on the proper ceremonies.