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 |
 | I. |
|
|
| II. |
|
| On the Statute of Opportunity and Repentance. |
|
|
 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
On the Statute of Opportunity and Repentance.
Quest.Image , who made thee?
Answ.
Phidias: the same
Whose Artist Hand did Jove and Pallas frame:
I'm his third Labour, in the Form you see:
And, tho' but seldom met, and known to few I be,
Yet I'm a Goddess, and my Name is Opportunity.
Quest.
What! Wings upon thy Feet?
Answ.
Yes: they imply
My Swiftness, and how ready I'm to fly:
Whene'er I will I baffle Mercury.
Quest.
Hair covers all thy Face!—
Answ.
Thereby is shown
How much I am unwilling to be known.
Quest.
But Thou art bald behind!—
Answ.
'Tis true, I be:
That none, behind may seize me, as I flee.
Quest.
Who hast Thou got for thy Companion there?
Answ.
Herself can speak:
Quest.
Friend, what Thou art declare.
171
My Name's Repentance: I'm a Goddess too:
And punish Humankind,—
For what They 'ave done, or what forborn to do.
Quest.
But, prithee, tell me, Opportunity,
What this Tormentor has to do with Thee.
Answ.
When I am flown, She always lags behind:
And Her, instead of me, my vain Pursuer's find.
You too, who with your Questions thus delay,
Will find that thro' your Hands I'm slipt away.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |