VIII. TO MÆCENAS. Aha, my wise accomplished friend, What mischief is he brewing? What mean these flowers of varied hue, These censers and this charcoal too, These knicknacks that you stare on? I've vowed a feast and fatted calf Oft as returns this time of joy So drink, Mæcenas, to your friend, Let's trim our lamp to last till morn, From Cotiso's fierce bands we're freed, G Cantabrians too, our ancient foes, Forbear awhile your thoughts to fix In present luck enjoyment find, IX. THE RECONCILIATION. HE. While I was dear, in days long flown, And no more welcome wooer vied For Lydia's kisses, Persia's throne Had ne'er inspired my soul with pride. SHE. While you no other flame confessed, HE. But now for Chloe's charms I sigh, So Fate her precious life would spare. SHE. 'Tis Calaïs who enchants me so, A twofold death I'd undergo If heaven would save the darling boy. HE. What if the old, old love return, And bind us two with lasting chain? If Chloe's auburn locks I spurn, And Lydia grace my home again? SHE. Though fairer he than any star, X. TO LYCE. E'en though on Tanais' distant shore You dwelt, some barbarous chieftain's wife, You'd pity me, before your door Outstretched, a prey to storm and strife. Hark to the creaking of the gate, Away with (Venus hates it) scorn; The rope may slip, the wheel may turn ; You're no Penelope, nor born, Like her, your suitors' prayers to spurn. What though no gift, nor prayer, nor vow, Your suppliants spare, oh, hard as oak, This rain I can't much longer brook, XI. TO THE LYRE. O Mercury, who taught by song Once dumb and dull, you're now confest, Like a young filly ranging free Tigers and trees alike you sway, Yes, Cerberus' self, though on his crest Ixion veered 'twixt smile and sigh, Their hands to list the sounds you made. Tell Lyde of their doom and guilt; Of water ever poured and spilt Through leaking casks-a well-known taleAnd of the Fates which never fail, Which e'en in hell on sinners wait : Wretches-what crime was e'er so great ?— One proved well worthy Hymen's fire- One out of many she, and long Her name shall famous be in song. |