Bkiii:Xiv Augustus Returns

O citizens, conquering Caesar is home from the Spanish shores, who, like Hercules, now was said to be seeking that laurel, that’s bought at the price of death. May his wife rejoice in a matchless husband, having sacrificed to true gods, appear now with our famous leader’s sister, and, all dressed in holy ribbons, the mothers of virgins and youths, now safe and sound. And you, O you boys and you young girls who are still without husbands, spare us any of your ill-omened words This day will be a true holiday for me, and banish dark care: I’ll not fear civil war, nor sudden death by violence, while Caesar has command of the earth. Go, now, you boys, seek out perfumes and garlands and a jar that’s old as the Marsian War, if any of them have managed to escape Spartacus’s eyes. And tell that graceful Neaera to hurry and fasten all her perfumed hair in a knot: if her hateful doorkeeper causes delay, come away. My greying hair softens a spirit eager for arguments and passionate fights: I’d not have endured it in my hot youth, while Plancus was Consul.