 | The odes, epodes and Carmen Seculare of Horace (1719) |  |
ODE V.
The Nymph you love is Young and Wild,
In Cupid's active Game unskill'd;
Her Limbs are yet too weak to prove
The vig'rous Feats of sprightly Love.
In Cupid's active Game unskill'd;
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The vig'rous Feats of sprightly Love.
She in the Meads, or on the Grass,
Among the Girls securely plays;
Or near some River's cooling side,
Where Willows grow, and Waters glide.
Among the Girls securely plays;
Or near some River's cooling side,
Where Willows grow, and Waters glide.
How can you taste what's Raw and Green,
A tender Thing, not yet Fifteen?
Stay till you see the Bloom arise,
And Ripeness wanton in her Eyes;
A tender Thing, not yet Fifteen?
Stay till you see the Bloom arise,
And Ripeness wanton in her Eyes;
She'll meet you then in full-blown Charms,
And spring with Joy into your Arms,
When Time has borrow'd from your Years,
And plac'd the full Account to hers.
And spring with Joy into your Arms,
When Time has borrow'd from your Years,
And plac'd the full Account to hers.
Not Pholoe the Coy and Fair
In Beauty shall with her compare;
Not Gyges shall more Conquests own,
Whose Form outshines the Silver Moon.
In Beauty shall with her compare;
Not Gyges shall more Conquests own,
Whose Form outshines the Silver Moon.
Him if among the Maids you place,
His flowing Hair and blushing Face
Would hide his doubtful Sex so well,
Who only looks, could never tell.
His flowing Hair and blushing Face
Would hide his doubtful Sex so well,
Who only looks, could never tell.
| The odes, epodes and Carmen Seculare of Horace (1719) | |