ODE XXXVI.[1]
This is a joyful occasion to sacrifice both with incense and music of the lyre, and the votive blood of a heifer to the gods, the guardians of Numida; who, now returning in safety from the extremest part of Spain, imparts many embraces to his beloved companions, but to none more than his dear Lamia, mindful of his childhood spent under one and the same governor, and of the gown, which they changed at the same time.[2] Let not this joyful day be without a Cretan mark of distinction;[3] let us not spare the jar brought forth [from the cellar]; nor, Salian-like, let there be any cessation of feet; nor let the toping Damalis conquer Bassus in the Thracian Amystis;[4] nor let there be roses wanting to the banquet, nor the ever-green parsley, nor the short-lived lily. All the company will fix their dissolving eyes on Damalis; but she, more luxuriant than the wanton ivy, will not be separated from her new lover.
ODE XXXVII.[5]
TO HIS COMPANIONS.
Now, my companions, is the time to carouse, now to beat the ground with a light foot: now is the time that was to deck
- ↑ It is probable that this ode was written in the year 730, when Numida returned with Augustus from the war of Spain, and we may judge with how much tenderness Horace loved his friends, when he celebrated their return with sacrifices, songs, and dances. San.
- ↑ Mutatæque simul togæ. At the age of seventeen the Roman youth put on the toga, and were no longer under the tutor's power. The toga was a large mantle worn over the tunica, and different in length, color, and ornaments, according to the fortune or profession of the wearer. San.
- ↑ Cressâ ne careat. As chalk was found in great abundance in Crete, the ancients used to say proverbially, a Cretan mark, for any mark of joy and happiness: on the contrary, their unlucky days were said to be marked with black Lamb.
- ↑ Threïciâ Amystide. This term is Greek, and signifies a custom among the Thracians of drinking a certain measure of wine, without closing the lips, or taking a breath. Lamb.
- ↑ At the first announcement of the victory at Actium, Horace en-
