University of Virginia Library


77

Ode XIX. On Glycera.

Venus, who gave the Cupids Birth,
And the resistless God of Wine,
With the gay Power of wanton Mirth,
Now bid my Heart its Peace resign;
Again for Glycera I burn,
And all my long-forgotten Flames return.
As Parian Marble pure and bright
The shining Maid my Bosom warms;
Her Face too dazzling for the Sight,
Her sweet coquetting—how it charms!
Whole Venus rushing through my Veins
No longer in her favourite Cyprus reigns;
No longer suffers me to write
Of Scythian fierce in martial Deed,
Or Parthian urging in his Flight
The Battle with reverted Steed;
Such Themes she will no more approve,
Nor aught that sounds impertinent to Love.
Here let the living Altar rise
Adorn'd with every Herb and Flower;
Here flame the Incense to the Skies,
And purest Wine's Libation pour;
Due Honours to the Goddess paid,
Soft sinks to willing Love the yielding Maid.