The Works of Hildebrand Jacob ... Containing Poems on Various Subjects, and Occasions; With the Fatal Constancy, a Tragedy; and Several Pieces in Prose. The Greatest Part Never Before Publish'd |
I. |
II. | II. Hymn to
Venus.
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III. |
The Works of Hildebrand Jacob | ||
II. Hymn to Venus.
Occasion'd by some late Persecutions.
I
Goddess of the Cyprian Plains,Where, in Ages blest, and free,
Willing Nymphs, and happy Swains
Own'd your great Divinity!
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II
While, to idle Mars resign'd,You indulge his softer Fire,
Lo! your Matrons, whipt, and fin'd,
At your slow Revenge admire.
III
Still shall Impotence, and Age,Under Virtue's rigid Face,
Nature's Laws, and yours ingage,
And your sacred Rites disgrace?
IV
While, like hunted Thieves, at NightYour poor, trembling Vo'tries meet
In some wretched Garret's Hight,
Or some Cellar's vile Retreat.
V
Venus, haste; exert your Sway,Leave your God, and golden Bow'r:
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Cytherea's mighty Pow'r
VI
Where are all those Altars now,With a thousand Offsprings crown'd,
Where no Mortal paid his Vow,
But your Aid propitious found?
VII
Rise! o'er hated Foes prevail!Lest your former Glories seem
Or some drunken Bedlam's Tale,
Or some wanton Poet's Dream.
The Works of Hildebrand Jacob | ||