Horace 1.9

Horace's Poem 1.9 both represents and contrasts Epicurian ideas. For example, in the fourth stanza, Horace writes: "Quid sit futurum cras, fuge quaerere et quem fors dierum cumque dabit, lucro appone nec dulcis amores sperne puer neque tu choreas" meaning, Don't seek for what is going to be tomorrow and whatever days fate will give, count them for profit, and while a young boy, don't reject sweet love and dances." This represents Epicurian ideas because Horace is encouraging the idea of pleasure, instead of focusing on negativity or pain, associated with it. Furthermore, the fourth stanza emobodies a carpe diem motif, reminding me of a poem we analyzed in English called The Passionate Shepherd to His Love. This poem was written from a male perspective, basically urging the object of his affection to succumb to all desires because as mortals, time is not infinite. This goes hand in hand with the Epicurian idea of mortality. Since life is not eternal, Horace is advising the youth to love and enjoy simple pleasures, for one does not know what tomorrow may bring.
Although the poem represents Epicurian ideas, it also contrasts against them. To illuminate, in stanza three, Horace writes: "Permitte divis cetera" meaning "Surrender the rest to the Gods.." A major belief of Epircurius was that Gods do exist, but do not interfere in our lives. Another point in the poem which disagree with the ideas of Epicurius is exemplified when Horace writes "Deprome quadrimum Sabina, O Thaliarche, merum diota" meaning "Oh Thaliarchus, fetch the four year old, pure Sabine wine from its two handled jar." This does not agree with Epicurian values, because drinking only satisfies temporary pleasure, which is a major discrepancy of Epicurian ideals. Furthermore, some people these days may drink, only to numb pain. Alcohol may also be viewed as part of an "unnecessary desire" which was also frowned upon by Epicurian ideals.