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77
A MODEST ODE TO FORTUNE.
“Et genus et formam regina pecunia donat.”
Hor.
Hor.
O goddess Fortune, hear my prayer,
And make a bard for once thy care!
I do not ask, in houses splendid,
To be by liveried slaves attended;
I ask not for estates, nor land,
Nor host of vassals at command;
I ask not for a handsome wife—
Though I dislike a single life;
I ask not friends, nor fame, nor power,
Nor courtly rank, nor leisure's hour;
I ask not books, nor wine, nor plate,
Nor yet acquaintance with the great;
Nor dance, nor song, nor mirth, nor jest,
Nor treasures of the east or west;
78
Nor qualities more blest than these—
Learning nor genius, skill nor art,
Nor valour for the hero's part;
These, though I much desire to have,
I do not, dearest goddess, crave:—
I modestly for money call—
For money will procure them all!
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