University of Virginia Library

Epode IV.

[As Wolves and Lambs by Nature disagree]

As Wolves and Lambs by Nature disagree,
So is my Hatred firm to Thee;
Thou Wretch, whose Back with flagrant Whips is torn;
Whose Legs with galling Fetters worn;

433

Though Wealth thy native Insolence enflame,
A Scoundrel ever is the same.
While You your twice three Ells of Gown display,
And stalk along the Sacred Way,
Observe the free-born Indignation rise,
Mark! how they turn away their Eyes;
This Wretch, they cry, with public Lashing flay'd,
'Till even the Beadle loath'd his Trade,
Now plows his thousand Acres of Demaine,
And wears the Pavement with his Train;
Now on the foremost Benches sits, in spite
Of Otho, an illustrious Knight.

435

From Slaves and Pirates to assert the Main,
Shall Rome such mighty Fleets maintain,
And shall those Fleets, that dreadful rule the Sea,
A Pirate and a Slave obey?