Death in Life (Horace's Carmen 1, 4)

The motif of the famous "Carpe Diem" (1, 11) poem of Horace can also be found in his Carmen 1, 4, where he wrote in the first three verses about the Joy of Spring. But in the first line of the fourth verse the word "Death" appeared: pallida Mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas regumque turris. And he mentioned also that we should not make plan and have expectations for times long after: o beate Sesti, vitae summa brevis spem nos vetat incohare longam; iam te premet nox fabulaeque Manes.

to: Manes see the tombstone below

written in Archilochium tertium.

But why! Is it common for the ancient literature? This melancholy. I don't think so. Horace seems to be too sentimental for an ancient poet. No unreflected serenity which is supposed to be so characteristic for the ancient world. Always with the antithesis of Life and Death, oh the Death triumphs in the end! But for my taste, this reflection is again too shallow. It is without the metaphysical depth of the baroque poetry, without the heroic attitude of a baroque man.

And does it move me, this poem? Not so much like that of his Carmen 1, 11. Why? Because it is only about the shortness of one's own life - though he talks to Sestius, but he just means the pleasure of one's life is so transient. In comparison, Carmen 1, 11 talks about the shortness of the time two friends (lovers) can be together. And only the latter pains me. Not only Death can part two, oh lucky is she who parts from her friend only through Death. To part while still in life is a greater pain! And do I fear Death? I don't. But people say I only say I fear Death not because I am still young. Perhaps they are right.