Not heaven itself upon the past has power; But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour. Book iii. Ode 29, Line 71.

More from Imitation of Horace

• And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm. Book iii. Ode 29, Line 87.
• Happy the man, and happy he alone, He who can call to-day his own; He who, secure within, can say, To-morrow, do thy worst, for I have liv'd to-day. Book iii. Ode 29, Line 65.
• I can enjoy her while she 's kind; But when she dances in the wind, And shakes the wings and will not stay, I puff the prostitute away. Book iii. Ode 29, Line 81.