Where so much of a writer's charm lies, as with Horace, in exquisite
aptness of language, and in a style perfect for fulness of suggestion
combined with brevity and grace, the task of indicating his
characteristics in translation demands the most liberal allowance from
the reader. In this volume the writer has gladly availed himself,
where he might, of the privilege liberally accorded to him to use the
admirable translations of the late Mr Conington, which are
distinguished in all cases by the addition of his initial. The other
translations are the writer's own. For these it would be superfluous
to claim indulgence. This is sure to be granted by those who know
their Horace well. With those who do not, these translations will not
be wholly useless, if they serve to pique them into cultivating an
acquaintance with the original sufficiently close to justify them in
turning critics of their defects.



QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS.

BORN, A.U.C. 689, B.C. 65. DIED, A.U.C. 746, B.C. 8.



CHAPTER I.

BIRTH.--EDUCATION.--CAMPAIGN WITH BRUTUS AND CASSIUS.


Like the two greatest lyrists of modern times, Burns and Beranger,