In what far Country does this Morrow lye,
That 'tis so mighty long e'er it arrive?
Beyond the Indies does this Morrow live?
'Tis so far fetch'd this Morrow, that I fear
'Twill be both very Old, and very Dear.
To Morrow I will live, the Fool does say;
To Day it self's too late, the Wise liv'd Yesterday.
Marcus Valerius Martialis (c. 40 - 104) Ancient Rome (Italy), born in Hispania (Spain)
Translated by Abraham Cowley (1618 - 1667)
Source: PotW.org
Here's a more literal translation by Walter C. A. Ker:
"Tomorrow you will live, to-morrow,"
You are always saying, Postumus.
Tell me, when does that "morrow" of yours arrive, Postumus?
How distant is that morrow ? where is it?
Or in what quarter should we look for it?
Surely it does not lie hid among the Parthians and Armenians?
Already that morrow is as old as Priam or as Nestor.
That morrow tell me for how much it can be bought?
To-morrow will you live?
To live to-day, Postumus, is already too late.
He is wise, whoever he be, Postumus,
Who "lived" yesterday.
Here's a more literal translation by Walter C. A. Ker:
"Tomorrow you will live, to-morrow,"
You are always saying, Postumus.
Tell me, when does that "morrow" of yours arrive, Postumus?
How distant is that morrow ? where is it?
Or in what quarter should we look for it?
Surely it does not lie hid among the Parthians and Armenians?
Already that morrow is as old as Priam or as Nestor.
That morrow tell me for how much it can be bought?
To-morrow will you live?
To live to-day, Postumus, is already too late.
He is wise, whoever he be, Postumus,
Who "lived" yesterday.
"Beyond the Indies does this morrow live?" It takes a great poet to make another great poet shine in translation. What a marvelous poem! Thanks-
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