The works of Horace, translated into verse With a prose interpretation, for the help of students. And occasional notes. By Christopher Smart ... In four volumes |
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The works of Horace, translated into verse | ||
169
ODE VIII. TO JULIA BARINE.
There is no reason to give any credit to Barine, when she swears, since she grows the handsomer for her perjuries.
Had made thee thy false oath bewail;
Hadst thou but been one tooth the worse,
Or lost a single nail;
I shou'd have kept my faith,—but thou
Shin'st out more tempting and more fair;
And art, by breaking of thy vow,
Our youth's peculiar care.
'Tis profit, therefore, to deceive
Thy mother's ashes in a breath,
Stars, moon, and silent heav'n to grieve,
And Gods, exempt from death.
Yes, Venus laughs, and nymphs, well known
For mock-simplicity, deride,
And love still whetting on a stone
His darts in crimson dy'd.
171
New slaves, nor will the old relent,
Tho' sworn to quit her impious pound,
Where their fond hearts are pent.
At thee the jealous mothers pine,
At thee old churls, and maids new wed,
Lest by that winning air of thine
Their spouses be misled.
The works of Horace, translated into verse | ||