A Translation

Horace, Ode 3, Bk. V.

“Regulus” – A Diversity of Creatures

1 
There are whose study is of smells,
And to attentive schools rehearse
How something mixed with something else 
Makes something worse. 
2 
Some cultivate in broths impure
The clients of our body - these, 
Increasing without Venus, cure,
Or cause, disease. 
3 
Others the heated wheel extol, 
And all its offspring, whose concern 
Is how to make it farthest roll
And fastest turn. 
4 
Me, much incurious if the hour
Present, or to be paid for, brings
Me to Brundusium by the power
Of wheels or wings; 
5 
Me, in whose breast no flame hath burned 
Life-long, save that by Pindar lit,
Such lore leaves cold. I am not turned
Aside to it 
6 
More than when, sunk in thought profound
Of what the unaltering Gods require,
My steward (friend but slave) brings round
Logs for my fire.

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