Medulla Poetarum Romanorum :: :: University of Virginia Library

Medulla Poetarum Romanorum

Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker

Baker, Henry (1698-1774)

VOL. I.

II.

VOL. II.

Collapse All | Expand All expand section

But, if the Soul, despising Fear,
Can all Events, unruffled, bear:
If it is neither vain, nor proud,
Nor courts the Favour of the Crowd:
If Passion Reason can asswage,
Nor ever rises into Rage:
Whoe'er attains this happy State,
Fortune commands, and smiles at Fate.—

Pleasantest Companion, this,
This in Life is Happiness:
Early an Estate to gain,
Left, not purchas'd by your Pain:
Grounds that pay the Tiller's Hire:
Hearths with ever during Fire:
Safe from Law t' enjoy your own:
Seldom view the busy Town:
Health, with mod'rate Vigour joyn'd:
True well grounded Peace of Mind:

467

Friends your Equals in Degree:
Prudent plain Simplicity:
Easy Converse Mirth afford:
Artless-Plenty fill the Board:
Temp'rate Joy your Ev'nings bless,
Free from Care and from Excess:
Short the Night by Sleep be made:
Chaste, not cheerless be the Bed:
Chuse to be but what you are:
Dying neither wish nor fear.—

Anon. Mart. X. 47.

—None happy should we call,
Before his Death, and closing Funeral.—

Addison. Ov. Met. III.