Ode 1.37

I found this ode to be one of the most interesting we have translated so far. After learning about it's place in history, I found things in the poem I did not think about before. The way the poem starts out with the repetition of "nunc" presents a certain kind of urgency for celebration, but as the poem continues, the pace slows. Horace has time for similes and talks of Cleopatra's "serene expression" on her face. To me, this is Horace allotting a long period of time to reflect back on Cleopatra, amidst the frenzied celebration that is about to take place. I also think, how we discussed in class, that Horace really admired her, even if she appeared crazed at time. I like the complexity of the emotion in this ode.