Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
 | I. |
|
|
| II. |
|
|
|
Will.
|
 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Will.
Whence comes this perfect Freedom of the Mind?
Whence comes the WILL so free and unconfin'd,
Above the Pow'r of Fate? by which we go
Where-e'er we please, and what we Will we do?—
Whence comes the WILL so free and unconfin'd,
Above the Pow'r of Fate? by which we go
Where-e'er we please, and what we Will we do?—
A knavish Spartan was to Cheat inclin'd,
But wanted first to know Apollo's Mind;
Whether, if he with sacred Oaths deny'd
A trusted Pledge, Heav'n would be satisfy'd.
The Priestess answer'd, that his base Intent
Should not escape without a Punishment.
Startled at this, the Wretch gave up the Trust;
And was, thro' Fear, not Inclination, just.
Yet Plagues pursu'd him, and the mental Sin
Destroy'd himself, his Children, and his Kin.
Thus did he suffer for his wicked Will,
Tho' he ne'er practic'd the intended Ill.
That Man stands really guilty of the Fault,
Who in his Breast admits a wicked Thought:
Then what sad Punishment must He expect,
Who thinks a Crime, and brings it to effect?—
But wanted first to know Apollo's Mind;
Whether, if he with sacred Oaths deny'd
A trusted Pledge, Heav'n would be satisfy'd.
The Priestess answer'd, that his base Intent
Should not escape without a Punishment.
Startled at this, the Wretch gave up the Trust;
And was, thro' Fear, not Inclination, just.
Yet Plagues pursu'd him, and the mental Sin
Destroy'd himself, his Children, and his Kin.
Thus did he suffer for his wicked Will,
Tho' he ne'er practic'd the intended Ill.
That Man stands really guilty of the Fault,
Who in his Breast admits a wicked Thought:
515
Who thinks a Crime, and brings it to effect?—
'Tis worthy Praise, a good Intent to shew,
When that is all We have a Pow'r to do:
The Gods excuse what-e'er is wanting more,
If with a willing Mind we them adore:
And not less pleas'd the poor Man's Lamb receive,
Than Bullocks which the Rich and Mighty give.—
When that is all We have a Pow'r to do:
The Gods excuse what-e'er is wanting more,
If with a willing Mind we them adore:
And not less pleas'd the poor Man's Lamb receive,
Than Bullocks which the Rich and Mighty give.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |