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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Money. Riches. Wealth.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Money. Riches. Wealth.
Gold is the greatest God: tho' yet we see
No Temples rais'd to Money's Majesty,
No Altars fuming to her Pow'r divine,
Such as to Valour, Peace and Virtue shine,
And Faith, and Concord.—
No Temples rais'd to Money's Majesty,
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Such as to Valour, Peace and Virtue shine,
And Faith, and Concord.—
Wouldst thou live well? who'd not? then quickly strive,
And now since Virtue only this can give,
Leave all thy false Delights, and that pursue.—
But if the wild Opinion You approve,
That Words make Virtue, just as Trees a Grove:
Then get one thousand Talents, then one more,
And then another, and then square the Store:
For by this Empress Wealth is all bestow'd,
A rich and honest Wife, and ev'ry Good,
Beauty, and Friends, and Nobleness of Blood.
The rich and moneyed Man hath ev'ry Grace,
Persuasion in his Tongue, and Venus in his Face.—
And now since Virtue only this can give,
Leave all thy false Delights, and that pursue.—
But if the wild Opinion You approve,
That Words make Virtue, just as Trees a Grove:
Then get one thousand Talents, then one more,
And then another, and then square the Store:
For by this Empress Wealth is all bestow'd,
A rich and honest Wife, and ev'ry Good,
Beauty, and Friends, and Nobleness of Blood.
The rich and moneyed Man hath ev'ry Grace,
Persuasion in his Tongue, and Venus in his Face.—
The Saying's true, and hath been often told,
Gold excells Silver, heav'nly Virtue Gold.—
O Romans! Romans! Gold must first be sought,
Then Virtue: that's but worth a second Thought.
This is the Tune of ev'ry trading Fool:
Old Men, and ev'ry Boy, repeats this Rule,
That with his Books and Satchel goes to School.—
Gold excells Silver, heav'nly Virtue Gold.—
O Romans! Romans! Gold must first be sought,
Then Virtue: that's but worth a second Thought.
This is the Tune of ev'ry trading Fool:
Old Men, and ev'ry Boy, repeats this Rule,
That with his Books and Satchel goes to School.—
Whoe'er is wealthy, may securely sail,
For as he wills kind Fortune gives the Gale:
May Danae wed, and rival am'rous Jove,
Nay make her Father Pander to his Love:
May be a Poet, Preacher, Lawyer too,
By bawling win the Cause he does not know,
And beyond Cato's Fame for Wisdom go.
To Wealth, the Judge, obedient, gives the Cause,
And, as thou pay'st him, turns and winds the Laws:
Acquire but Riches, and when that is done,
Be whom Thou wilt, Somers, or Littleton.
Gold governs all: get that, and Thou mayst have
Whate'er thy most unbounded Wishes crave:
In short, whoever is of that possest,
Has Jove himself inclos'd within his Chest.—
For as he wills kind Fortune gives the Gale:
May Danae wed, and rival am'rous Jove,
Nay make her Father Pander to his Love:
May be a Poet, Preacher, Lawyer too,
By bawling win the Cause he does not know,
And beyond Cato's Fame for Wisdom go.
To Wealth, the Judge, obedient, gives the Cause,
And, as thou pay'st him, turns and winds the Laws:
Acquire but Riches, and when that is done,
Be whom Thou wilt, Somers, or Littleton.
Gold governs all: get that, and Thou mayst have
Whate'er thy most unbounded Wishes crave:
In short, whoever is of that possest,
Has Jove himself inclos'd within his Chest.—
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Nor House, nor Lands, nor Heaps of Plate, or Gold,
Can cure a Fever's Heat, or Ague's Cold,
Or free the Mind from Cares. He must have Health,
He must be well, that would enjoy his Wealth.
Whoe'er desires, or fears, diseas'd in Mind,
Wealth profits him as Pictures do the Blind,
Plaisters the gouty Feet, or Musick's Airs
And charming Sounds, the stuft and aking Ears.—
Can cure a Fever's Heat, or Ague's Cold,
Or free the Mind from Cares. He must have Health,
He must be well, that would enjoy his Wealth.
Whoe'er desires, or fears, diseas'd in Mind,
Wealth profits him as Pictures do the Blind,
Plaisters the gouty Feet, or Musick's Airs
And charming Sounds, the stuft and aking Ears.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |