Genethliacon to Grandson

Ausonius, Decimus Magnus. Ausonius, Volume 2. Evelyn-White, Hugh G. (Hugh Gerard), editor. London, Cambridge, MA: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Harvard University Press, 1921.

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This poem is a birthday song (genethliacon) filled with blessing and affection, addressed by the poet to his beloved grandson on his eighteenth birthday. The poet begins by reflecting on the past, recalling how he carefully avoided harsh teachings when his grandson was still young to spare him from undue burden. He then warmly gazes upon the grandson's present growth, both in body and mind, as the youth reaches his eighteenth year (the completion of his sixth triennial). Finally, with deep grandfatherly love, the poet offers earnest prayers and blessings for the grandson's future path in life.