Note 14 — Translations from Horace[14].

I am conscious that the metre of the following Translations is very different from that of the original; but it is my humble opinion, that it is utterly impossible to imitate the Version, and, at the same time, to preserve the spirit of the expression, and dignity of the idea; and it is really surprising that so many men of deep learning and judgment have attempted what was certain of failure: even Francis, who has done Horace more justice than any other translator, frequently, even in some of the sublimest odes, degenerates to a mere ballad singer. Were we, indeed, to make use of an irregular metre, it might, perhaps, be easy to translate the beauty, as well as the meaning; but, of all regular metres, I think our heroic is by far the best adapted for the grander odes.