University of Virginia Library

A Paraphrase on the 22d. Ode of Horace.

The upright man whose heart and life is pure
From guile and vice, needs neither Sword nor Spear,
His Virtue ever makes him so secure,
He needs no Bow; nor pois'ned Arrows wear;
Cowards, or wrathful men, themselves thus arm,
The good man neither does, nor fears he harm.
He that has tam'd the Tyger in his Breast,
Wild Lusts and Passions, safe may take his road
Through Woods and Deserts, never-fearing-Beast,
All will adore him, as a petty-God,
All will approach him with deep reverence,
Paying the homage due to innocence.
As I the other day did careless rove,
Having no weapon but a well-string'd Lute,
I spi'd an huge fierce Wolf within the Grove,
Who by my musick charm'd, did there stand mute,
And wondring seem'd to listen, whilst my Verse
Did th' praises of eternal love rehearse.
Strange fire of heav'nly love which reconciles
The Savage Beasts, and angry Elements,
Turns rage and fury into friendly smiles,
And mischief either conquers or prevents;
To him vvho doth the great Creator love,
The World of creatures all vvill harmless prove.
This Armour's strong, tho light: a Coat of Mail
Not to be pierc'd by Bullet or by Steel;
It gives a strength o're vvhich nought can prevail;
May I its force vvithin my breast but feel,
Fearless I'le follovv vvhither Fate shall call;
Smiling I'l bear vvhatever shall befall.
Place me on Northern Hills of frozen Snovv,
On vvhich the Pole-star doth directly stand,
There will I give the love and praise I owe
To him whose love makes that a pleasant Land.
'Gainst frosts and Snows Love is the only charm,
These flames melt Snows, these flames my breast shall warm.
Or throw me on the parched Lybian Sands,
Where flaming Sun-beams do the Trav'ler burn;
Love all Divine, those scorching heats withstands,
Gods Love will Deserts to a Garden turn;
His Smiles, his Words are Fountains, Shades and Breeze.
Each place is Paradice, when I have these.
No Winter frosts, this holy Love shall chill,
No prosp'rous Summer's heat shall it abate;
But higher it shall flame, and higher still,
Till it to Heav'n my Soul in Flames translate:
God's Love is all I crave in Heaven above:
On Earth below, I only craves Gods Love.