The works of Horace, translated into verse With a prose interpretation, for the help of students. And occasional notes. By Christopher Smart ... In four volumes |
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 | The works of Horace, translated into verse |  |
37
ODE VIII. TO LYDIA.
He animadverts upon Sybaris, a youth distractedly in love with Lydia, and wholly dissolved in pleasures.
Why Sybaris destroy,
Why make love do the deeds of hate,
And to his end precipitate
The dear enamour'd boy?
Why can he not the field abide,
From sun and dust recede,
Nor with his friends, in gallant pride,
Dress'd in his regimentals, ride,
And curb the manag'd steed?
Why does he now to bathe disdain,
And fear the sandy flood?
Why from th'athletic oil refrain,
As if its use would-be his bane,
As sure as viper's blood?
No more his shoulders black and blue
By wearing arms appear;
He, who the quoit so dextrous threw,
And from whose hand the jav'lin flew
Beyond a rival's spear;
39
Of Thetis' fav'rite heir,
Lest a man's habit should betray,
And force him to his troops away,
The work of death to share?
| The works of Horace, translated into verse | |