Horace on Time
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“Damnosa quid non imminuit dies?
What does not destructive time destroy?”
“Singula de nobis anni prædantur euntes.
Each passing year robs us of some possession.”
“The illusion that times that were are better than those that are, has probably pervaded all ages.”
“Carpe diem, quam minime credula postero.
Enjoy the present day, trusting very little to the morrow.”
“Horæ Memento cita mors venit, aut victoria læta.
In the hour's short space comes swift death, or joyful victory.”
“Dum loquimur, fugerit invida Ætas: carpe diem.
While we are speaking envious time will have fled. Seize the present day.”
“Quidquid sub terra est, in apricum proferet ætas; Defodiet condetque nitentia.
Time will bring to light whatever is hidden; it will cover up and conceal what is now shining in splendor.”
“Quidquid sub terra est, in apricum proferet ætas; Defodiet condetque nitentia.
Time will bring to light whatever is hidden; it will cover up and conceal what is now shining in splendor.”
“Eheu fugaces Postume, Postume, Labuntur anni, nec pietas moram Rugis et instanti senectæ Afferet, indomitæ que morti.
Postumus, Postumus, the years glide by us: Alas! no piety delays the wrinkles, Nor the indomitable hand of Death.”
“For time would, with us, 'stead of sand, Put filings of steel in his glass, To dry up the blots of his hand, And spangle life's page as they pass. Since all flesh is grass ere 'tis hay, O may I in clover lie snug, And when old Time mow me away, Be stacked with defunct Lady Mugg!”