Patagonian Paradise

And a Virgilian Thanksgiving toast

Joel Bowman with a quick holiday Note From the End of the World: San Martín de los Andes…

We’ve skipped town, dear reader, flown south to picturesque Patagonia for the Thanksgiving break.

A spell in the fresh mountain air, touring the glacial lakes and enjoying the local fare, is just what’s needed. That, and a few glasses of Argentine malbec by the open fire (it dipped into the low 30s overnight. Brrr!)

Whatever you’re up to this holiday break, we wish you and your loved ones all the best.

In the meantime, we thought you might enjoy a few verses of thanks and praise from one of our favorites, the great Roman poet, Virgil...

From Virgil’s Georgics, Book I

What makes a plenteous Harvest, when to turn
The fruitful Soil, and when to sowe the Corn;
The Care of Sheep, of Oxen, and of Kine;
And how to raise on Elms the teeming Vine:
The Birth and Genius of the frugal Bee,
I sing, Mecaenas, and I sing to thee.

Ye Deities! who Fields and Plains protect,
Who rule the Seasons, and the Year direct;
Bacchus and fost'ring Ceres, Pow'rs Divine,
Who gave us Corn for Mast, for Water Wine.

Ye Fawns, propitious to the Rural Swains,
Ye Nymphs that haunt the Mountains and the Plains,
Join in my Work, and to my Numbers bring
Your needful Succour, for your Gifts I sing.

(As translated by the English poet, John Dryden, 1631-1700)

Along with our peripatetic little family of three and generally good health and cheer, we are especially grateful around this time of year to our dear Notes members, whose generous support make our work here possible.

You really are helping spread the message of free markets, free minds and free people. Thank you!

If you’ve enjoyed our musings along the way and maybe know someone else who might find them valuable, perhaps consider giving them a gift subscription…

Stay tuned for more Notes From the End of the World…

…and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Joel Bowman