of
themselves is nature, but in men it is vice. And how far doth this error
of yours extend, who think that any can be adorned with the ornaments of
another? Which can in no wise be. For if any adjoined thing seem
precious, it is that which is praised, but that which is covered and
enwrapped in it remaineth, notwithstanding, with the foul baseness which
it hath of itself. Moreover, I deny that to be good which hurteth the
possessor. Am I deceived in this? I am sure thou wilt say no. But riches
have often hurt their possessors, since every lewdest companion, who are
consequently most desirous of that which is not their own, think
themselves most worthy to possess alone all the gold and jewels in the
world. Wherefore thou, who with much perturbation fearest now to be
assailed and slain, if thou hadst entered the path of this life like a
poor passenger, needest not be afraid, but mightest rejoice and sing
even in the sight of most ravenous thieves.[110] O excellent happiness
of mortal riches, which, when thou hast gotten, thou hast lost thy
safety!

[110] Cf. Juvenal, _Sat._ x. 19-22.

V.

Felix nimium prior aetas
Contenta fidelibus aruis
Nec inerti perdita luxu,
Facili quae sera solebat
Ieiunia soluere glande. 5
Non Bacchica munera norant
Liquido confundere melle
Nec lucida uellera Serum
Tyrio miscere ueneno.
Somnos dabat herba salubres, 10
Potum quoque lubricus amnis,
Vmbras altissima pinus.
Nondum maris alta secabat
Nec mercibus undique lectis
Noua litora uiderat hospes. 15
Tunc classica saeua tacebant,
Odiis neque fusus acerbis
Cruor horrida tinxerat arua.
Quid enim furor hosticus ulla
Vellet prior arma mouere, 20
Cum uulnera saeua uiderent
Nec praemia sanguinis ulla?
Vtinam modo nostra redirent
In mores tempora priscos!
Sed saeuior ignibus Aetnae 25
Feruens amor ardet habendi.
Heu primus quis fuit ille
Auri qui pondera tecti
Gemmasque latere uolentes
Pretiosa pericula fodit? 30

V.

Too much the former age was blest,
When fields their pleased owners failed not,
Who, with no slothful lust opprest,
Broke their long fasts with acorns eas'ly got.
No wine with