Satires 1:1 (1-12)

Question 1

Qui fit, Maecenas, ut nemo, quam sibi sortem
seu ratio dederit seu fors obiecerit, illa
contentus vivat, laudet diversa sequentis?

Answer 1

How come, Maecenas, that no one, whatever lot either
Rational choice has given him, or chance has thrown in his way,
Ever lives content with it, [but] praises those that follow different [ways]

Question 2

‘o fortunati mercatores’ gravis annis

miles ait, multo iam fractus membra labore;

Answer 2

‘O fortunate merchants!’ says the soldier

[5] Heavy with years, his limbs already broken with much toil

Question 3

contra mercator navim iactantibus Austris:
‘militia est potior. quid enim? concurritur: horae
momento cita mors venit aut victoria laeta.’

Answer 3

The merchant on the other hand, as the southern winds toss his ship around
[Says]: ‘Soldiering is better. And why? There’s a charge: in the moment
Of an hour a quick death comes, or a joyful victory.’

Question 4

agricolam laudat iuris legumque peritus,

sub galli cantum consultor ubi ostia pulsat;

Answer 4

The man skilled in justice and laws praises the farmer,

[10] When a client beats on his door before the song of the cock.

Question 5

ille, datis vadibus qui rure extractus in urbem est,

solos felices viventes clamat in urbe.

Answer 5

While he, having given bail, dragged into city

From the country, shouts that only those living in the city are happy.