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The Odes and Epodon of Horace, In Five Books

Translated into English by J. H. [i.e. John Harington]

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To MÆCENAS. Ode XVI.
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To MÆCENAS. Ode XVI.

All things lye open unto Gold, but Horace seemeth happy in his smaller Fortune.

Clos'd DANAE Doors strongly barr'd,
Brass-Tower, with dreadful Watch and Guard
Of Dogs, might well have fortify'd
From Nightly Rapes un-ey'd;

68

If JOVE and VENUS had not thus
Turn'd laughing-stock Acrisius,
Nice Jaylour there; set ope' that Hold,
The God transform'd to Gold.
Gold passes Guarding bands, the Rock,
Stout Walls more fierce then Thunders stroke;
Breaks through Greek Augur's house, for gain
Sunk down with all his Train.
Through Bribes that Prince of Macedon
Cleft City-gates, proud Kings o're-thrown;
Rough Lords, stern Captains of the Sea
Insnar'd, become their Prey.
Care follows still with Thirst of more
Wealth's growing Stock, whence I abhor,
As just (MÆCENAS Knight) where-ere,
Transcendent Crest to bear.
Who more himself doth curb, Deny,
From Gods has more; thus naked I
Tents of th' ungreedy train pursue;
Abandon'd wealthy Crew.
More gallant Lord in what I dare
Contemn, then held my Barns most fair
What's reaped from th' Apulian ground;
'Midst all but Needy found.
My smaller Grove, pure dainty Spring,
And faithful Corn hopes answering
Deceive (more blessed Lot) that Man
Styled chief Prince African.
Though no Calabrian swarms me glut
With Honey's hoards, nor Formian Butt
Lodg aged Wine, rich grounds of France
By Fleekes my wealth advance;
Yet craving Want my Roof doth fly:
Nor ask'd I more wouldst thou Deny.
Thoughts bounded thus, I'l freelier pay
CÆSAR small Dues, then lay
Whole Kingdoms else conjoyn'd mine own.
Who covet much Want much alone:
He's blest whom God with sparing hand
Gives what's Enough, well scan'd.