Horace: The Epistles
Book I: Epistle IX
Translated by A. S. Kline © Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved
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Contents
BkIEpIX:1-13 A letter of introduction to Tiberius
Septimius alone knows, of course, Tiberius,
How much you think of me, for when he begs, no, forces
Me with prayers, to try to praise and present him to you
As one worthy of choice for your noble household
And intentions, thinking I fill a close friend’s place,
He sees and knows better than I what power I may have.
I gave him many reasons why I should be excused:
But feared to be thought to have minimised my role,
Hiding my true influence, just to oblige myself.
So to avoid the accusation of a worse crime,
I’ve stooped to trying to win by urbane effrontery.
Yet if you endorse lack of modesty at a friend’s request,
Admit him to your circle, know he is fine and brave.
End of Book I Epistle IX