University of Virginia Library

An Imitation of the Ninth Ode of the First Book of Horace.

Since the Hills all around us do Penance in Snow,
And Winter's cold Blasts have benumm'd us below;
Since the Rivers chain'd up flow with the same Speed,
As Criminals move to'ards the Psalm they can't read:
Throw whole Oaks at a time, nay whole Groves on the Fire,
To keep out the Cold, and new Vigour inspire.
Ne'er waste the dull Time in impertinent thinking,
But urge and pursue the grand Bus'ness of drinking.
Come, pierce your old Hogsheads, ne'er stint us in Sherry,
For this is the Season to drink and be merry.
That reviv'd by good Liquor, and Billets together,
We may brave the loud Storms, and defie the cold Weather.
We'll have no more of Bus'ness, but Friend as you love us,
Leave it all to the Care of the good Folks above us.
Whilst your Appetite's strong, and good Humour remains,
And active brisk Blood does enliven your Veins,
Improve the sweet Minutes in Scenes of Delight,
Let your Friend have the Day, and your Mistress the Night:
In the dark you may try whether Phillis is kind,
The Night for Intrigues was ever design'd:
Tho' she runs from your Arms, and retires to a Shade,
Some friendly kind Sign will betray the coy Maid:
All tremb'ling you'll find the poor bashful Sinner,
Such a Trespass is venial in any Beginner:
But remember this Counsel, when once you have met her,
Get a Ring from the Nymph, or something that's better.