Odes Horace Horace. The Odes and Carmen Saeculare of Horace. Conington, John, translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1882. Hark! 'tis my father—‘Worthless one!What, yet alive? the oak is nigh.'Twas well you kept your maiden zone,The noose to tie.Or if your choice be that rude pike,New barb'd with death, leap down and askThe wind to bear you. Would you likeThe bondmaid's task,You, child of kings, a master's toy,A mistress' slave?’” Beside her, lo!Stood Venus smiling, and her boyWith unstrung bow.