Poems and Songs by Thomas Flatman. The Fourth Edition with many Additions and Amendments |
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Book IV. ODE XI.
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Book IV. ODE XI.
To Philllis.
Come Phillis, gentle Phillis! prithee come,I have a Glass of rich old Wine at home,
And in my Garden curious Flowers do grow,
That languish to adorn thy brow.
The Ivy, and the yellow Crowfoot there
With verdant Chaplets wait to braid thy hair;
With silver Goblets all my house does shine,
And Vervain round my Altar twine,
On which the best of all my flock shall bleed;
Come, and observe with what officious speed
Each Lad, and Lass of all my house attends
Till to my roof the smoke ascends.
If thou would'st know why thou must be my guest.
I tell thee 'tis to celebrate a Feast,
The Ides of April, which have ever been
Devoted to the Cyprian Queen.
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Than that which gave me (worthless mortal) birth:
For on that day Mecænas first saw light,
Born for our wonder, and delight.
My Phyllis, since thy years come on apace,
Substitute me in Telephus his place,
He's now imploy'd by one more rich, more fair,
And proudly does her shackles wear.
Remember what became of Phaeton;
Remember what befel Bellerophon;
That by Ambition from his Fathers Throne,
And this, by Pegasus thrown down.
Content thy self with what is fit for thee,
Happy that couple that in years agree!
Shun others, and accept my parity,
And I will end my Loves with thee.
Thou art the last whom I intend to court,
Come then; and (to prepare thee for the sport)
Learn Prick-song, and my merry Odes reherse,
Many a Care is charm'd by Verse.
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