XIII

TO VINIUS ASINA

HORACE is sending Augustus a copy of his poems, probably the Odes, Books i., ii., iii., which were published in 23 B.C. The volume is carried to court by a messenger, one Vinius, whose cognomen is presumably Asina (1. 8), though the usual form of the name is Asellus.

Instead of writing a formal note to the Emperor to accompany the gift, Horace indulges in the fiction of sending a letter of instructions to the messenger, in which he humorously expresses his anxiety about the reception of the poems.

XIII.

Ut proficiscentem docui te saepe diuque, Augusto reddes signata volumina, Vini,i si validus, si laetus erit, si denique poscet ; ne studio nostri pecces odiumque libellis sedulus importes opera vehemente minister. si te forte meae gravis uret2 sarcina chartae, abicito potius, quam quo perferre iuberis clitellas ferus impingas, Asinaeque paternum cognomen vertas in risum et fabula fias.

Viribus uteris per clivos, flumina, lamas. victor propositi simul ac perveneris illuc, sic positum servabis onus, ne forte sub ala fasciculum portes librorum ut rusticus agnum, ut vinosa glomus3 furtivae Pyrria lanae, ut cum pilleolo soleas conviva tribulis. neu1 volgo narres te sudavisse ferendo carmina, quae possint oculos aurisque morari Caesaris. oratus multa prece, nitere porro. vade; vale; cave ne titubes mandataque frangas. 1 vinni or venni мss. (but inscriptions favour the for Vinius). 2 urit E: urat Priscian.

Ca

3

4

neu a nec E: ne, II.

as

glomos φιλί.

a i.e. the books. These, of course, could not be heavy themselves, though they might make "heavy reading."

This is said to be an allusion to a scene in one of th plays of Titinius.

The tribulis, a humble man whom for political purpos a richer member of the same tribe has invited to dinner, h

EPISTLE XIII

As I instructed you often and at length, when you set out, Vinius, you will deliver these close-sealed rolls to Augustus, if he's well, if he's in good spirits, if— in fine-he asks for them; lest you blunder in your eagerness for me, and by officious service and excessive zeal bring resentment on my poor works. If haply my book's burden gall you with its weight, fling it from you, rather than savagely dash down your pack where you are bidden to deliver it, and turn your father's name of Asina into a jest, and you become the talk of the town.

a

Put forth your strength over hills, streams, and fens; when once you have achieved your purpose and reached your journey's end, you are to keep your burden so placed as not, for instance, to carry the little packet of books under your armpit, even as a bumpkin carries a lamb, as tipsy Pyrria a ball of stolen wool, as a poor tribesman his slippers and felt cap, when asked out to dinner. And mind you don't tell all the world that you have sweated in carrying verses that may win a hold on the eyes and ears of Caesar. Though besought by many a plea,d press on. Be off; fare well; take care you do not stumble and smash your precious charge.

no slave to take his cap and sandals, which he would need coming and going, though not in the dining-room.

i.e. by inquisitive people.