The Works of Tibullus Containing his Love-Elegies. Translated by Mr Dart. To which is added, The Life of the Author; with Observations on the Original Design of Elegiack Verse; and the Characters of the most Celebrated Greek, Latin and English Elegiack Poets |
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Horace L. I. EPIST. IV.
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 | The Works of Tibullus |  |
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Horace L. I. EPIST. IV.
To A. TIBULLUS.
Albius!
the finest Judge of all I write,
In what Amusements do you take delight?
Do you at Pedan the soft Minutes use,
In writing what exceeds Parmensis' Muse?
Or do you walk the silent healthy Wood,
Studying what's Worthy of the Wise and Good?
For thou'rt not all a Body void of Mind,
The Gods to Thee, a Beauteous Form assign'd;
They gave thee Riches with a Hand profuse,
And gave the generous Pow'r and Art to use:
What fonder Wishes could a Nurse employ,
For Heaven's Indulgence on her fav'rite Boy;
Then for a Bounteous Share of Wit and Sense,
And Pow'r of Words, and ready Eloquence;
Favour and Fame, and a continu'd Health,
And cleanly Diet, and sufficient Wealth?
Amidst a Life of Hopes and anxious Cares,
Of varying Passions, and disturbing Fears,
Think every Day thy last: that Time is best
Esteem'd; which comes when we expect it least:
When Jolly, Plump, and Fat, and Sleekly, Skin'd,
You next shall chance to see your thoughtless Friend;
In what Amusements do you take delight?
Do you at Pedan the soft Minutes use,
In writing what exceeds Parmensis' Muse?
Or do you walk the silent healthy Wood,
Studying what's Worthy of the Wise and Good?
For thou'rt not all a Body void of Mind,
The Gods to Thee, a Beauteous Form assign'd;
They gave thee Riches with a Hand profuse,
And gave the generous Pow'r and Art to use:
What fonder Wishes could a Nurse employ,
For Heaven's Indulgence on her fav'rite Boy;
Then for a Bounteous Share of Wit and Sense,
And Pow'r of Words, and ready Eloquence;
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And cleanly Diet, and sufficient Wealth?
Amidst a Life of Hopes and anxious Cares,
Of varying Passions, and disturbing Fears,
Think every Day thy last: that Time is best
Esteem'd; which comes when we expect it least:
When Jolly, Plump, and Fat, and Sleekly, Skin'd,
You next shall chance to see your thoughtless Friend;
It needs a grave and easie Smile must move,
To see a Swine of Epicurus' drove.
To see a Swine of Epicurus' drove.
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