31. On a Picture of a Votive Offering -
V ELIUS , what time he hastened to the wars,
For our great Caesar vowed a goose to Mars.
The moon had scarce eight times in circle met
When lo, the god claimed payment of the debt.
The bird rejoicing to the altar came
And fell a humble victim in the flame.
See those eight coins that hang from out its beak:
'Twould say — " For this I hid them" — could it speak,
When victims thus with silver truth reveal,
They show us, Sire, there is no need for steel.
For our great Caesar vowed a goose to Mars.
The moon had scarce eight times in circle met
When lo, the god claimed payment of the debt.
The bird rejoicing to the altar came
And fell a humble victim in the flame.
See those eight coins that hang from out its beak:
'Twould say — " For this I hid them" — could it speak,
When victims thus with silver truth reveal,
They show us, Sire, there is no need for steel.
Translation:
Language:
Reviews
No reviews yet.