Seize the Day

Listen to:

Ode 11 from Book 1

by Horace

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

Seek not to know, Leuconöe,

The death that waits both you and me –

            The gods forbid such quest;

Don’t go and talk with gypsies old,

And try to get your fortune told;

            Let’s take things for the best.

Perchance we long shall feel the blast,

Perhaps this wintry gale’s our last;

            Be wise, and drink—don’t bother;

E’en as we speak Time’s flying on,

So seize the day before it’s gone;

            We may not have another.