The Probationary Odes of Jonathan Pindar, Esq A cousin of Peter's, and candidate for the post of Poet Laureat to the C. U. S. In two parts |
 |
|
ODE XI.
|
 | The Probationary Odes of Jonathan Pindar, Esq |  |
84
ODE XI.
TO JANUS.
Jonathan invadeth Janus—describes his different Countenances, and supplicateth him to wheel about.
Jane bisions! Custos pacis!
God of the double face! who towards the east,
Dost, like th' adoring Persian, humbly bow;
But turnest like grim Mars upon the west,
The vengeful fury of thy wrathful brow:
Dost, like th' adoring Persian, humbly bow;
But turnest like grim Mars upon the west,
The vengeful fury of thy wrathful brow:
One face, in shape of Mr. Jay attends,
Levees—and dines with ministers of state,
Courting with smiles those ever faithful friends,
And gaining in return—a chair and plate.
Levees—and dines with ministers of state,
Courting with smiles those ever faithful friends,
And gaining in return—a chair and plate.
The other scowls upon Columbia's hills,
With more than Gorgon terrors in its frown;
Spreading with pestilential breath those deadly ills,
Which to be dreaded need but to be known.
With more than Gorgon terrors in its frown;
Spreading with pestilential breath those deadly ills,
Which to be dreaded need but to be known.
O mighty Janus! turn thyself quite round;
Turn to the setting sun thy smiling face:
Thus wrath shall in thine eastern face be found,
And just resentment wipe off our disgrace,
Turn to the setting sun thy smiling face:
Thus wrath shall in thine eastern face be found,
And just resentment wipe off our disgrace,
85
But if, beyond our hopes, th' insulting foe
Should make atonement, keep thy temple shut.
Curst be the hand that first shall strike a blow,
To burst its portals—and war's rage to glut.
Should make atonement, keep thy temple shut.
Curst be the hand that first shall strike a blow,
To burst its portals—and war's rage to glut.
| The Probationary Odes of Jonathan Pindar, Esq | |