Page:The Soul of a Century.djvu/144

 Hence, merely mention the name of Pomponius And every man of Rome will tell you thus: “A prudent man was he” Such praise remains my pride, My best possession (excepting here of course the many favors Shown me by Him, Augustus, and may he rule In health and happiness for many years to come!)

’Tis true that health is but a gift of Gods, And happiness thereof God’s gilded smile Cast down upon us struggling earthly mortals But health and happiness must prudence have To make man’s life an enviable lot. For health and happiness are like two fiery steeds, By prudence held in check and safely guided To one’s set goals

The gift of prudence Faithfully was given both to Augustus And to Pomponius. (That I dare link my name Boldly to Caesar’s is not a mere bravado Or empty flattery. The noble one himself From time to time discusses my life’s journey And thoughtfully he speaks of by-gone days, And praises me contending oft and on That my deep friendship was one among the jewels Of his own life.)

My friends, my Comrades! From time to time, when by-sone days I travel, The days that seem so endless-distant now, Not by their length of time, but by the number Of incidents that lie between us now (Why even Cicero and the son of Marius Were once my class-mates and Catallina too I knew, and Sulla-Felix, he who thought me highly Above all other mortals!) My friends If you but gaze into those by-gone days You realize that I have sailed my life Through stormy seas of deeds always with prudence.

About the time when Sulla and Cinna together Angrily thinned out their ranks of friends, I went to Athens, did not commit myself, (Not knowing the outcome of their fearful anger). Then prudently and at the proper moment I sold my home, and disposed of all possessions: