Decimius Magnus Ausonius (c. 310 – c.
395) lived in what is now Bordeaux. This poem was
addressed to his wife, Sabina.
Dear wife, we
two must never change our ways,
Must not forget our love-names from the days
Of those first fumbles. Let’s recite them still,
And with them make a vow time never will
Dilute our loving or reduce our joy.
You’ll always be my girl; I’ll be your boy.
Though it may be fate's whim to send us through
More crowded years than even Doctor Who,
Let’s never act our age – so soul-destroying.
The years aren't made for counting, but enjoying.
George Simmers
If you have any thoughts on this (probably too) free
translation, George
Simmers would be pleased to hear them.
For Classicists - here's the original:
uxor, vivamus quod viximus et teneamus
nomina quae primo sumpsimus in thalamo,
nec ferat ulla dies, ut commutemur in aevo,
quin tibi sim iuvenis tuque puella mihi.
Nestore sim quamvis provectior aemulaque annis
vincas Cumanam tu quoque Deiphoben,
nos ignoremus quid sit matura senectus:
scire aevi meritum, non numerare decet
