The Odes and Epodon of Horace, In Five Books :: :: University of Virginia Library

We do conclude, that Thundring JOVE doth reign
In Heaven above, on Earth AUGUSTUS sways,
Now stil'd God, who British train
To th' Empire joyn'd, with Persian race.

Old CRASSUS Souldiers once with barbarous Wives
Base Husbands liv'd, and under Arms grew old:
O Senate wrong'd! corrupted Lives
Of Father in Laws Hostile controll'd.

Serv'd Median King, Marsians, Apulians bred,
Our name, gown'd worth, and conquering Shields forgot;
Eternal VESTA'S Fires not fled,
JOVE safe with Rome from thralled blot.

This Regulus sought warily to shun,
Averse from foul conditions with the Foe;
Lest that Example should forerun
Succeeding times vast Overthruw;

If Youth once seiz'd not absolutely Dy'd,
Slave-terms renounc'd. I Banners saw, said he,
On Punick Temples hung, beside
Forc'd Arms, our Men from slaughter free.

Rome's Citizens, arms wreath'd behind their Back,
I saw inslav'd, ope stood the Gates secure;
Fields spoiled once by us (not flack)
Some of our Bands did till, manure.

With Gold redeem'd, more sharp for following Fight
They may return; you'l plead, you add but Loss
To th' foul Offence; chang'd Colour bright,
Woolls scarce restor'd through second Gloss:

Nor does true Vertue like, if conquer'd fall,
To be for worse reserv'd loath'd slavery;
Though Stags unloos'd may fight with all,
Toils broak; shall that Man valiant be?

Who yields himself to th' treacherous Foe's commands?
Will Penians he next fight oreturn? dismai'd?
Who endur'd their smarting Bands,
Sot-like, of grisly Death afraid.

This, ignorant mens Arms best life bestow,
Joyns peace with furious War; ah! shameful he!
Grand Carthage, thou dost taller grow
On ruines made of Italy.

Chast Wife's last Kiss (they talk) with Children's last,
He shun'd, as now grown baser Head, captiv'd;
Fix'd on earth (obliquely cast)
His manly Look; nor seem'd reviv'd,

Till had confirm'd the doubtful Senate round
By an Advice, ne're given before at all:
So still banish'd Man renown'd,
Hastned to's sad Comrades in thrall.

Though knew what pains by th' barbarous Torturer
Reserv'd for him, yet with no secure Port
(Friends remov'd which joyn'd to bar
His prompt return, and Vulgar sort)

Then if long Client's Cause; that troublous Crew,
Things now dispatch'd, forsook fresh Air to take;
behold Venafrian fields, or view
Tarentum-Town for pleasure sake.