Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Epodes 16.35–48

Horace calls the virtuous to sail past Etruscan shores into the Ocean in search of the Blessed Islands, a paradise of effortless abundance awaiting those with the courage to leave Rome behind.

 

Tier 1

Omnis civitas dicta haec et quae poterunt dividere nos a reditu, eamus omnis civitas aut pars melior stulto grege;

Mollis et illi, qui sine spe sunt, recubent in male ominatos lectos. Vos, quibus est virtus, tollite femininum luctum, et volate extra Etrusca litora.

Oceanus errans manet circum nos: petamus campos beatos, arvos divites et insulas.

Ubi terra inarata reddit cererem et vinea inputata floret usque, et rami olivae numquam fallentis germinat et ater ficus ornat suam arborem,

Mella manant ex cavo robure, aqua levis desilit montibus altis crepante pede.

Written by Robert Amstutz

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