A Conversation with Janus
Fortuna of Rome
But after the Fortuna of this place raised up Her head,
and Rome touched the highest gods with Her height,
both riches and the wild, frantic desire for riches grew;
and though they possess the greatest abundance, still they seek for more.
The Original Latin Text (Ovid, Fasti I.209–212)
At postquam fortuna loci caput extulit huius
et tetigit summos vertice Roma deos,
creverunt et opes et opum furiosa cupido,
et, cum possideant plurima, plura petunt.
Book 1 of Ovid's Fasti (lines 209–212) during his dialogue with Janus on New Year’s Day (January 1)
Translated & curated by E. Sylvia in collaboration with AI: original poetic interpretations of selections from Ovid's Fasti.
© 2026 E. Sylvia. All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the author.