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 |
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
What of my Fortune's left wilt Thou receive?
Now fairly take it, or as fairly leave:
But take it as it is, and ask no more.
What when Thou hast embezzled all thy Store?
Where's all thy Father left?—'Tis true, I grant,
Some I have mortgag'd to supply my Want:
The Legacies of Tadius too are flown,
All spent, and on the self-same Errand gone.
How little then to my poor Share will fall?
Little, indeed: but yet that Little's all:
Nor tell me in a dying Father's Tone,
Be careful still of the main Chance, my Son:
Put out the Principal in trusty Hands:
Live on the Use: and never dip thy Lands.
But, pray what's left for me?—What's left! my Friend:
Ask that again, and all the rest I spend.
Now fairly take it, or as fairly leave:
But take it as it is, and ask no more.
What when Thou hast embezzled all thy Store?
Where's all thy Father left?—'Tis true, I grant,
Some I have mortgag'd to supply my Want:
The Legacies of Tadius too are flown,
All spent, and on the self-same Errand gone.
How little then to my poor Share will fall?
Little, indeed: but yet that Little's all:
Nor tell me in a dying Father's Tone,
Be careful still of the main Chance, my Son:
Put out the Principal in trusty Hands:
Live on the Use: and never dip thy Lands.
But, pray what's left for me?—What's left! my Friend:
Ask that again, and all the rest I spend.
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |