Horace I, 31.
As forth he pours the new made wine,
What blessing asks the lyric poet—
What boon implores in this fair shrine
Of one full likely to bestow it?
Not for Sardinia’s plenteous store,
Nor for Calabrian herds he prayeth,
Nor yet for India’s wealth galore,
Nor meads where voiceless Liris playeth.
Let honest riches celebrate
The harvest earned—I’d not deny it;
Yet am I pleased with my estate,
My humble home, my frugal diet.
Child of Latonia, this I crave;
May peace of mind and health attend me,
And down into my very grave
May this dear lyre of mine befriend me!
