Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Ode 4.7 - Permanence and Change lyrics

Snows scatter. Gra** reclaims the field, and trees Regrow the greenery they'd shed. The world is shifting shape. The shrinking river Rolls in the riverbed. The Nymphs and Graces, taking off their shame, Dance naked on the wakened gra**, The hours devour the livening day to warn you: You like all this shall pa**. The Zephyrs curb the cold to bring the Spring The sudden Summer overthrows Which falls to fruitful Fall that spills its yield To fields the Winter slows. Though moon on moon redeem the waste of seasons, When we go d**hward and are laid Under with good Aeneas and rich Tullus, We go as ash and shade. Who knows, Torquatus, if the gods shall add More morrows to this borrowed day? Indulge your heart, for what your heart receives No heir shall hoard away. No, friend, when you go dead to take your place By writ of Minos the august, Your noble birth and virtues have no power To shape you back from dust. Even Diana had to let her chaste Hippolytus fall dark and under Where Theseus had to leave his friend in chains Not even he could sunder.