The fame of Caesar's triumph has reached here too, to this place where the weak breeze of the weary South Wind scarcely arrives.
§2.1.3nil fore dulce mihi Scythica regione putavi: §2.1.4iam minus hic odio est, quam fuit ante, locus.
I thought that nothing would be sweet to me in the Scythian region; now this place is less of a hatred than it was before.
At last, the cloud of cares being dispelled, I have seen something serene, and I have deceived my own fortune.
Even though Caesar should be unwilling that any joys reach me, yet he can wish that these joys alone be given to anyone.
The gods too, so that they may be worshipped by all with cheerful piety, command sadness to be laid aside during their festivals.
Finally, though to dare to confess it is certain madness, I shall enjoy this joy, even if he himself should forbid it.
§2.1.13Iuppiter utilibus quotiens iuvat imbribus agros, §2.1.14mixta tenax segeti crescere lappa solet.
Whenever Jupiter helps the fields with useful showers, the clinging burr is accustomed to grow mixed with the crop.
We too, an useless weed, feel the fruitful divinity, and are often helped by his unintended aid.
The joys of Caesar's mind, as far as a man can, are mine; that house has nothing of a private nature.
Thanks to you, Fame, through whom the spectacle of the triumphal procession was seen by me, enclosed in the midst of the Getans.
With you as informant, I learned that recently countless tribes had gathered to see the face of their Leader!
And that Rome, which contains the boundless world within her vast walls, scarcely had room for guests.
§2.1.25tu mihi narrasti, cum multis lucibus ante §2.1.26fuderit assiduas nubilus Auster aquas, §2.1.27numine caelesti solem fulsisse serenum, §2.1.28cum populi vultu conveniente die,
You told me that, although many days before the cloudy South Wind had poured down continuous waters, the serene sun shone by divine heavenly power, with the day matching the expression of the people.
§2.1.29atque ita victorem cum magnae vocis honore §2.1.30bellica laudatis dona dedisse viris, §2.1.31claraque sumpturum pictas insignia vestes §2.1.32tura prius sanctis inposuisse focis, §2.1.33iustitiamque sui caste placasse parentis, §2.1.34illo quae templum pectore semper habet, §2.1.35quaque ierit felix adiectum plausibus omen, §2.1.36saxaque roratis erubuisse rosis; §2.1.37protinus argento versos imitantia muros §2.1.38barbara cum pictis oppida lata viris, §2.1.39fluminaque et montes et in altis proelia silvis, §2.1.40armaque cum telis in strue mixta sua, §2.1.41deque tropaeorum, quod sol incendent, auro §2.1.42aurea Romani tecta fuisse fori, §2.1.43totque tulisse duces captivis addita collis §2.1.44vincula, paene hostis quot satis esse fuit.
And that thus the victor, with the honor of a great voice, gave warlike rewards to praised men, and that he, about to take up the bright insignia and embroidered robes, first placed incense upon the holy hearths, and chastely appeased the justice of his parent, which always has its temple in that breast; and that wherever he went, a happy omen was added to the applause, and the stones grew red with sprinkled roses; and straightway, broad barbarian towns mimicking overturned walls in silver were carried along with painted men, and rivers and mountains and battles in deep forests, and weapons mixed with missiles in their own heap, and that from the gold of the trophies, which the sun makes burn, the roofs of the Roman Forum were golden, and that so many leaders bore chains added to their captive necks, as were almost enough for the whole enemy.
The greatest part of these received life and pardon, among whom was Bato, the chief and head of the war.
Why should I deny that the anger of the divinity toward me can be lessened, when I see that the gods are mild to enemies?
§2.1.49pertulit hic idem nobis, Germanice, rumor, §2.1.50oppida sub titulo nominis isse tui. §2.1.51atque ea te contra nec muri mole nec armis §2.1.52nec satis ingenio tuta fuisse loci.
This same rumor brought word to us, Germanicus, that towns went under the title of your name; and that they were not safe against you by the mass of their walls, nor by arms, nor sufficiently by the natural strength of the place.
May the gods give you years, for you will take the rest from yourself, if only a long time be given to your valor.
§2.1.55quod precor, eveniet: sunt quiddam oracula vatum: §2.1.56nam deus optanti prospera signa dedit, §2.1.57te quoque victorem Tarpeias scandere in arces §2.1.58laeta coronatis Roma videbit equis; §2.1.59maturosque pater nati spectabit honores, §2.1.60gaudia percipiens, quae dedit ipse suis.
What I pray for will happen: the oracles of bards are something; for the god has given prosperous signs to one who wishes, that you too as victor ascending the Tarpeian citadel, joyful Rome will see with garlanded horses; and the father will gaze upon the mature honors of his son, experiencing the joys which he himself once gave to his own.
Even now, let these things told by me, greatest of youths in war and in peace, be noted by you as a prophecy.
§2.1.63hunc quoque carminibus referam fortasse triumphum, §2.1.64sufficiet nostris si modo vita malis, §2.1.65imbuero Scythicas si non prius ipse sagittas, §2.1.66abstuleritque ferox hoc caput ense Getes.
Perhaps I shall also relate this triumph in my poems, if only my life suffices for my misfortunes, if I myself do not first stain Scythian arrows, and the fierce Getan does not take away this head with his sword.