EPIGRAMS - X.47 | THE GOOD LIFE |
Martial (M. Valerius Martialis) | trans. A.S.Kline |
Vitam quae faciant beatiorem, Iucundissime Martialis, haec sunt: Res non parta labore, sed relicta; Non ingratus ager, focus perennis; Lis numquam, toga rara, mens quieta; Vires ingenuae, salubre corpus; Prudens simplicitas, pares amici; Convictus facilis, sine arte mensa; Nox non ebria, sed soluta curis; Non tristis torus, et tamen pudicus; Somnus, qui faciat breves tenebras: Quod sis, esse velis nihilque malis; Summum nec metuas diem nec optes. |
These, my dearest Martialis, are the things that bring a happy life: wealth left to you, not laboured for; rich land, an ever-glowing hearth; no law, light business, and a quiet mind; a healthy body, gentlemanly powers; a wise simplicity, friends not unlike; good company, a table without art; nights carefree, yet no drunkenness; a bed that’s modest, true, and yet not cold; sleep that makes the hours of darkness brief: the need to be yourself, and nothing more; not fearing your last day, not wishing it. |
Trans. Copyright © A.S.Kline 2003