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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Obedience.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Obedience.
'Tis your's, great Queen, replies the Pow'r, to lay
The Task, and mine to listen and obey.—
The Task, and mine to listen and obey.—
Whom Cæsar's Trumpet once proclaims a Foe.
By the long Labours of the Sword, I swear,
By all thy Fame acquir'd in ten Year's War,
By thy past Triumphs, and by those to come,
(No Matter where the Vanquish'd be, nor whom,)
Bid me to strike my dearest Brother dead,
To bring my aged Father's hoary Head,
Or stab the pregnant Partner of my Bed:
Tho' Nature plead, and stop my trembling Hand,
I swear to execute thy dread Command.—
By the long Labours of the Sword, I swear,
By all thy Fame acquir'd in ten Year's War,
By thy past Triumphs, and by those to come,
(No Matter where the Vanquish'd be, nor whom,)
Bid me to strike my dearest Brother dead,
To bring my aged Father's hoary Head,
Or stab the pregnant Partner of my Bed:
Tho' Nature plead, and stop my trembling Hand,
I swear to execute thy dread Command.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |