Horace To Maecenas

How breaks my heart to hear you say You feel the shadows fall about you! The gods forefend That fate, O friend! I would not, I could not live without you! You gone, what would become of me, Your shadow, O beloved Maecenas? We've shared the mirth-- And sweets of earth-- Let's share the pangs of death between us! I should not dread Chinaera's breath Nor any threat of ghost infernal; Nor fear nor pain Should part us twain-- For so have willed the powers eternal. No false allegiance have I sworn, And, whatsoever fate betide you, Mine be the part To cheer your heart-- With loving song to fare beside you! Love snatched you from the claws of death And gave you to the grateful city; The falling tree That threatened me Did Fannus turn aside in pity; With horoscopes so wondrous like, Why question that we twain shall wander, As in this land, So, hand in hand, Into the life that waiteth yonder? So to your shrine, O patron mine, With precious wine and victims fare you; Poor as I am, A humble lamb Must testify what love I bear you. But to the skies shall sweetly rise The sacrifice from shrine and heather, And thither bear The solemn prayer That, when we go, we go together!