The Odes and Epodon of Horace, In Five Books :: :: University of Virginia Library

Mæcenas sprung from Kingly race;
O my Defence and sweetest Grace:
Some love to make with Chariots fly
The Olympick dust, Goal passed by
With heated Wheels: brave Palm doth mount
Earth-Lords to Gods, divine account.
He's pleas'd, th' uncertain City-croud
When Honours hath by Voice allow'd:
This, should his Barns be swell'd with Hoard
Of all that Lybian floors afford;
Whom, chain'd to's Father's Grounds (strong love
To th' Country-plough) great'st terms not move

To cut Myrtoian seas from far,
With Cyprus-keel, scar'd Mariner.
When Winds Icarian Waves contend,
The Merchant, aw'd, does rest commend,
With rural Grange; though soon makes fit
Torn Bark, for want unpractis'd yet.
Some nought despise old Massick Wine,
But part o'th day for th' Bowl design;
Near hallow'd Fount (branch'd shade for bed)
Soft-murmur'd Streams their members spread.
Many there be, whom Warlike fight,
Loud Trumpets noise with Tents delight,
By Mothers loath'd: The Huntsman dare,
Fond Spouse forgot, face sharpest Air;
When faithful Dogs have view'd the Doe;
Or Marsyan Boar his Toyls o'rethrow.
Me Laurel, which the Learn'd does crown,
Triumphant way, gives great renown.
Groves, Nymphs joyn'd Quire, with Satyrs dance,
Above that vulgar rank advance:
If EUTERP not her Pipe restrain,
Nor POLIHIMN my Harp disdain:
'Mongst Lyrick Poets me inrole,
My head shall strike the Starry Pole.

To AUGUSTUS. Ode 2.

Many troubles fall upon the People of Rome, for Julius Cæsar's Death; the Empires hope rests in Augustus.

Now JOVE with Snows and direful Hail,
Hath well scourg'd Earth, made Romans pale,
Whilst fired hand with Toundring powers,
Toss'd th' holy Tow'rs.

World scar'd left PIRRHA'S dreadful Age
Reviv'd, when Monsters new did rage;
And PROTEUS his Sea-cattle drove,
On Hills to rove.

When th' Elm did lodg the skaled Fry,
Once branched Perch where Doves did lye,
And trembling Does, though Forrest-bred,
Swam Streams o'respread.

We yellow Tiber saw recoil,
From Tyrrhene Shore, fierce Waves to spoil;
Romulean Tomb in proud disdain,
With VESTA'S Fane.

Th' uxorious Stream (for ILIA
Much griev'd) while boasts Revenge, does stray
The banks left side, and drowns the Land;
Scarce JOVE'S command.

Our Boys, (but few through Parents crime)
How civil Steel made sharp that time
Shall know more fit for Persian far;
Hear Tales of War.

What God should Romans call for stay
To th' sinking Realm, what Prayers may
From th' holy Nuns tire VESTA, found
Deaf to their sound?

Whom will JOVE chuse to expiate
Past murther's stain? (disclosing Fate)
White shoulders deck'd with Cloud, descend
PHÆBUS as friend.

Or VENUS, thou, whom smiles do dress,
The attendants joy and pleasantness;
Or Parent MARS, by thee respected,
Stock late neglected.

Now cloy'd with tedious game in Fight,
Whom tumults noise smooth Helms delight;
And Moorish Archers brow, to Foes
When dreadful showes.

Or dost thou HERMES, wing'd by birth,
Through changed Form present on Earth
Young man, well-pleas'd? Revenger raign
Of CÆSAR stain?

Late maist thou back return to Skies,
Long joyful shine to Roman eyes,
Nor swifter Gale bear thee from hence
For our offence.

Love more shouts here, Triumphant noise,
Romes Parent, Lord well, stil'd rejoyce;
Nor CÆSAR, let (whilst thou our Guide)
Medes careless ride.

Ode III.

He wishes safety to that Ship whith carried Virgil to Athens, afterwards, blames mens rash adventurousness.

So may most pow'rful VENUS Star,
With splendid Twins which smiling are,
Winds Soveraign thee protect by th' way,
(All bound but mild Japiga)
That VIRGIL now, dear Ship, thy Charge,
With safest foot thou maist enlarge
On Athens Shore; O gentle roul,
And keep that half part of my Soul.
That Man was stout, wore brazen Breast,
Thrice plated round who first addrest
With floating Plank large Seas t'invade;
Nor seem'd oth' Africk Wind blustring afraid,
Conjoyn'd with North in blustering fight;
Sad Hyades nor South could fright:
None greater Arbiter although
For Storms or Calms doth th' Adrian know.
Him what Death daunts? Who views each where
(Unmov'd) those wandring Monsters there?
Swell'd billow-mounts, those blackest fam'd
Ceraunian Rocks, for splitting blam'd.
In vain wise God hath sever'd Land
From Seas (unsociable Band)
If yet presumptuous Barks dare pry
Through deeps unknown should rather lye.
Men stoutly hold, all Pains t'endure,
Rush through forbidden Waves secure.
PROMETHEUS stole that sacred Flame,
And strait 'mongst Men dispers'd the same,
Which pilfer'd from th' Æthereal Tower,
New Plagues, Diseases round (like Shower)
O're-throng'd the World; swift grows that late
But slow necessity of Fate:
Stout DÆDALUS with Plumes did try
Void Air (unmanly parts) would fly.

Hell-Gates themselves were broke by Toil,
Of HERCULES, Nought makes recoil;
Nought seems so strange Man dares not do:
Our rashness strikes at Heaven too;
Nor will let Jove, so impious bold,
His anger'd Thunder-bolts withhold.

To L. SEXTIUS. Ode IV.

The pleasant Spring described, and that common Law of dying; he perswades him to a Life of Pleasure.

Sharp Winter's gone, whilst Spring and Zeph'rus take
Their welcome turns, Ships land forsake:
Nor Cattle now love Stalls, nor Plough-men fire,
Fresh Meadows want grey Frosts attire:
Now VENUS Revels holds by shining Moon,
And Graces; fair joyn'd Nymphs in one
Beat Verdant earth with Dancing feet by turns:
Whilst Shop that roasted VULCAN burns
Cyclopean green Myrtle-wreaths become,
Or Flow'rs from Earth's dissolved womb:
Now's time to sacrifice in shady Groves,
Kid, Lamb to PAN, which most he loves.
Pale Death doth knock with righteous foot where ere,
Thatch, Kingly Tow'rs, blest SEXTIUS, there:
Life's short account forbids long hope to please thee,
Night strait those talk'd of Ghosts will seize thee;
PLUTO'S thin House; whose Walls if once confine,
No Lots there Kingship give for wine.

Chang'd on good grounds.

Thou shalt not there soft CHLOE admire nor love,
Whose Charms th' inflamed Youth does prove.

To PYRRHA. Ode 5.

Horace, escaping her inticements like some Ship-wrack, doth affirm those wretched who are taken with them.

What slender Youth (PYRRHA) with Roses,
Whose 'nointed Head perfumes discloses?
Claspt thee in secret place;
Whilst Beam-like Hair, with loosned grace,

Doth simple cleanliness present;
How oft, alas, he'l mourn, lament?
Thy Vows, Gods chang'd, and lost;
Wondring to find calm Seas ore-tost,

Who credulous believes thee now
All Gold, still hopes for pleasing Brow:
Bad-learn'd in falser Air:
Those whom thy Looks (untry'd) insnare

Accurst; my self wrack scaping so,
Let powerful Sea-god's Temple snow
On th' Wall my Thanks, where now
Wave-drenched Cloaths hang up for vow.

To AGRIPPA. Ode VI.

Varius, the Tragedian, shall write those Wars fought by Agrippa, Horace being more fit for the describing Loves and Banquets.

Varius does write thee valiant, and rehearse
Thy Conquests in more large Meonian verse;
Whatere the Souldier stout by Seas and Land
Hath wrought through thy command.

We'l not presume, AGRIPPA, those to wield,
Nor Pelean wrath which knew not how to yield;
False-tongu'd ULYSSES Course, Sea-wandring Flock;
Nor PELOPS cruel Stock.

With slender strength to dare great things of Fame:
Th' unwarlike Harps commanding Muse, and shame
Forbid me CÆSAR'S Praise with thine to wrong,
Through fault of humbler Song.

Who MARS with Coat of Adamant fortifi'd
To th' height can write? or MERION black-dy'd
In Troian dust? TIDIDES match for Gods,
When PALLAS sway'd the ods?

We Banquet-feasts, coy Virgins strugling Fight
With Youths (when nails corrected found) delight
To sing at ease; or fir'd with newer Love,
Since oft inconstant prove.

To MUNATIUS PLANCUS. Ode 7.

Divers men praise divers Cities and Countries; Horrace prefers Tybur, Plancus his Birth-place; whom he exhorts to chearfulness.

Some men advance bright Rhodes or Mitylene,
Choice Ephesus, Corinth between
Two guarding Seas; or Thebes by BACCHUS crown'd,
Delphos by PHEBUS; Tempe-ground:
Some Athens worth, unmoved PALLAS Station,
Yield endless Verse for celebration;
And th' Olive cropt from far her brows present;
More minds (for JUNO'S Honour bent)
Argos, Horse-stor'd; Mycæne's wealth compleat
Me patient Lacedæmon's Seat.
Not near transports, Larissa's Soil so good,
Like House in Albune's murmuring Wood.
Steep Anio's Stream, with Tibur Groves where trace
Pure wandring Founts, their Orchards grace.
As North-wind clear doth wipe from blackest Skie
The purged Clouds, nor breeds on high
Still Show'rs, so PLANCUS wisely o'rereach, delude
Unwholsome Grief; life's toils conclude
With mildest Wine; thee whether Tents do hold,
Glistring with Ensigns brave and bold;
Or thy dark Tibur's shade: TEUCER when fled
His Sire and Salamine ('tis sed)

He Poplar-bound his brows bedew'd with Wine,
And to sad Friends did thus divine:
Fortune where-ere, more kind than harshest Father,
shall lead (Comrades) we'l follow rather;
TEUCER your Captain guide in nought despair,
Since PHÆBUS truth hath promis'd fair,
That second Salamine upon new ground
Shall rise: O stout and valiant found
With me in worse, now Drink let griefs restrain;
To morrow scour vast Seas again.

To LYDIA. Ode 8.

He observes the Youth Sybaris as ruin'd through her Love, and melted quite through Pleasures.

Speak LYDIA, by all
The Gods, why seek'st thou SYBARIS Downfal,
Ruin'd through Love? MARS-field
Why loaths he still? 'gainst Sun well-temper'd Shield
And dust? why warlike Name
Joyn'd 'mongst the Troops neglects? French Horse to tame
With sharp wolf-toothed Bit?
And shrinks cold yellow Tiber's wave to meet?
Why shuns he Wrastlers Oyl,
Like Vipers blood? nor wears skin bruised with Toil
Of Armours weight? prime found
For hurling Sledge, through far-thrown Dart renown'd?
Why lurks he as that Son
Of warlike THETIS once, near Troy's sad Fun'rals done?
Of Warlike Garments free'd,
Least forc'd to th' War 'mongst Trojan troops to bleed.

To THALIARCHUS. Ode IX.

The more sharp the Winter prov'd, he should the more cheer up, refresh himself.

View'st how Soracte white does wear
Deep Shrouds of snow? and Woods appear
Through surcharged Branch opprest?
Congealed Streams do rest.

Come THALIARCH, banish cold, throw on
Large piles to th' Sabine cask anon?
Four years Wine thence freely draw,
'Twill Winter help to thaw.

Leave th' rest to Gods, who when shall please
To hush warring Winds and boyling Seas,
Nor the old Ash, nor Cypress shall
Be tost disturb'd at all.

To morrow's Fates neglect, esteem
Each new day gain'd; nor nicer seem
Young sweet, pleasing Loves t'advance;
Joyn'd hands in Virgin-dance.

Ere testy Age befrost thine head,
Now Manly fields for Action tread:
Twilights whispering talk (set hour)
Oft steal: now from close Bower.

Dark nook fine tittering Noise betrays
Some Female Wag, in skulking Maze;
Pledg from Wrist of Finger taken:
Forc'd though with ease forsaken,

To MERCURY. Ode X.

Whom he praises from his Eloquence, his Parents, his invention of the Harp, and Wrastling, with his great furtive Subtilty.

Atlas Grandchild, sweet MERCURY,
Who ruder Minds of old did'st frame
(Smooth-tongu'd) by Voice with industry
Taught Wrastlers Game.

Thee will I sing, the Envoy to JOVE,
To th' Gods; Harps Parent chief allow'd;
Strong-brain'd when sportful Stealth does move
Some Prize to shroud.

PHÆBUS, when scar'd (unquiver'd then)
Thee turn'd a Boy, till hid by guile
ADMETUS Beasts thou brought'st agen,
Pastor did smile.

Guide thou, rich PRIAM for his Son
Left Troy, th' ACRIDES both bereav'd,
Greeks watchful Fires (through which did run)
Cruel Tents deceiv'd.

Thou pious Souls in blisful Bow'rs
Do'st place, light Croud restraining though
With Golden rod; pleasing to th' Pow'rs
Above, below.

To LEUCONOE. Ode XI.

He exhorts her, laying aside care of future things, to refresh herself; since life so short, uncertain.

Search not, LEUCONOE, what Destiny
Gods have reserv'd ('twere ill) for thee and me;
Shun th' Astrologick art, to lessen care;
Whether more Winters JOVE ordain thy share,

Or this thy Last, which tired Seas doth awe
By Rocks oppos'd; drink Wine, long Hopes withdraw
From Lifes short term; while speak'st th' Hour's gon with Sorrow:
Use th' instant Day, believing nought the Morrow.

To AUGUSTUS. Ode XII.

Praising some Gods and famous Men, he descends to the Praises of Augustus.

What Hero wilt thou sing to Fame,
CLIO, with Harp or Pipe more shrill?
What God whom Eccho chants by name?
Sound's Image still.

Transfer'd to th' Heliconian Grove,
Dard Pindus, or mount Hæmus high;
Whence Woods with ORPHEUS voice did rove
Confusedly.

Who learn'd in's Mothers Art; swift course
Of Torrents stop'd, Winds boistrous wings,
Led hearkening Oaks with gentle force,
Sweet-sounded Strings.

What can I speak before the Praise
O'th' Parent here? who Gods and Men.
Seas, Land conforms; with Time doth grace
The World's vast Scene.

Whence greater nought then Self produc'd,
Nor like succeeding flourishes:
Next honour though, for worth infus'd,
PALLAS possess.

Nor bold in Arms, shall I o're-shroud
Thine BACCHUS; thine, chast Virgin-foe
To rav'ning Beasts; nor PHÆBUS cloud
With surest Bow.

ALCIDES sung joyn'd LEDA'S Sons;
This hors'd, that more on foot renown'd
In fight; whose Stars when shining once
To Seamen found.

Tost Waves retreat from Rocks again;
Hush'd Winds withdraw, Clouds take their flight;
Fierce billows couch'd i'th dreadful Main,
Aw'd by their Light.

Should I chant next Romulean Merit?
POMPIL'S soft Raign? Rods proudly born
'Fore TARQUIN first, or CATO'S spirit,
which Death did scorn?

REG'LUS, wise SCAURI, PAULUS strong,
(Profuse of greatest Soul when dy'd)
My Thanks shall yield most lofty Song:
FABRITIUS try'd.

Stout CURIUS, though rude-crested round
CAMILLUS, last, sharp Want made fit
For warlike use on Grandsire's ground;
Mean house to it.

MARCELLUS Fame, (immortal Plant)
Still grows; that Julian Star aspires,
Glisters to th' rest as Moon doth vaunt
'Mongst smaller Fires:

Thou Father, Guard of humane kind,
From SATURN sprung, t'whom does pertain,
Great CÆSAR'S Charge, next thee design'd
Let Cæsar raign.

Let him, whilest Parthian rout o're-bold
Does (Conqueror) in triumph lead,
Seres which the Eastern fields behold,
Those Indian-bred.

Vast Earth command; less found than thee;
Just Prince: with weighty'st Charret thou
Shake Heav'n, those Groves that impious be
Let Thunder plough.

To LYDIA. Ode XIII.

He seems much griev'd, that Telephus his Rival, was prefer'd before him.

When Rofie Neck thou't, LYDIA, praise
Of TELEPHUS, his sweet embrace,

Whose softest Arm like wax intwines,
O how my Liver swells, repines!
Then's my Sence lost, my frantick Blood
From Cheek to th' Heart, like Eb's turn'd flood,
Changes it's seat: with Tears down stealing,
In how slow Fires I waste revealing.
Plagu'd whether some rude Brawl of mine
Did that white Neck abuse in Wine:
Or whether stamp'd that furious Youth
Mindful Love-mark, with wanton Tooth,
Upon thy Lips: but hope not Blisses
Lasting from one, that wrongs sweet Kisses
So barbarously, on whose soft tasts
VENUS fift part of Nectar wasts.
More than thrice Blest are they whose Love,
Fast chain'd, no rending force can move;
Nor (through complaints dissolv'd till Death)
Ends sooner than the latest Breath.

To the Roman State, then renewing Civil Wars again. Ode. XIV.

Great Ship, unblest; shall new Floods drive again
To th' stormy Seas? O what do'st do? retain
Strongly the Port: dost thou not see,
Sides void of Oars they be?

How thy torn Mast, wounded with th' Africk wind,
And Sails do groan, small cordage left design'd,
Vessels, Planks, how weak, unsure
Seas dreadful wrath t'endure.

Nor canvas whole beheld, nor Gods on breast,
There worn for Signs t'invoke, when new distrest,
Of Pontick Pine though made so good,
Chief ranger on the flood.

Dost brag thine antient Stock, and empty name?
Scar'd Seamens trust in painted Boards disclaim:
Cease, unless thou would'st to th' Rock
And Winds prove laughing-stock.

O thou that i'th' late Storm mine anguish wast,
But now my grand Desire, choice care at last,
Gulphs avoid, those narrow Seas
Which wash bright Cyclades.

NEREUS his Prophesie of the ruine of Troy. Ode XV.

When Pastor false did through the Seas convey,
In Ida-ship, that Hellen-guest from far
NEREUS swift Winds to loathsome ease that day
Lock'd up, that stern Events of War.

Might chant, foretel. Thou mischief brought'st to Troy,
Whom Greece with numerous bands will soon require;
Conjoyn'd by Oath to break thy Nuptial Joy,
With PRIAM'S ancient Realm thy Sire.

Ah-me! what Sweat doth bath both Horse and Men!
What Fun'rals thou dost bring to th' Dardan race!
Now PALLA'S Helmet, Shield, her Charret clean
Provides with fury too for Chace.

In vain, through VENUS guard, more haughty grown,
Thou't comb thy Locks and Women please with Verse,
Unwarlike Cithern-sound, divisions shown;
In vain thou't seek those Spears (so fierce

To th' Bridal bed) wing'd Cretan Darts to shun;
Wars monstrous Noise, or AJAX swift beguile,
Those Locks perfum'd, adulterous Hairs (out-run)
Thou shalt though late with Dust defile.

Dost not regard ULYSSES, Ruine sound
To thy grand Stock? slight'st Pulian NESTOR thus?
Thee straid pursues undaunted TEUCER round,
Joyn'd SALAMIN, stout STENELUS.

Skilful for fight, or when doth Horse command
Swift Charioteer: thou't MERION prove too well;
TIDIDES, lo, with raving thoughts at hand
Doth seek, his Sire who did excell.

Whom thou wilt fly like Stag (his food forgot)
The Wolf beheld, when from the Lawn doth rouze,
With high-rais'd panting breast, for softer Lot,
Though promis'd bigly to thy Spouse.

ACHILLES wrong'd, with Navie incens'd, the dire,
Confounding Day of Ilium shall adjourn:
But, certain Winters past, the Grecian fire
shall Trojan wealth and houses burn.

To his Love. Ode XVI.

He recants, asking her Pardon for his wronging her in some Iambicks; laying the blame on his Passion.

O Daughter fairer than the Mother fair,
Give those my guilty Iambick verse (nor spare)
Any Doom which most shall please,
Devouring Fire, or Adrian Seas.

Not CYBEL great (nor PHÆBUS there who dwells)
So shakes the Mind of Priests in hallow'd Cells,
LIBER so, nor shrill-tun'd Brass,
Beat Coribants mad Priestly race,

As Anger moves; whom neither Norick Sword
Can daunt, nor Sea, with Wracks tempestuous stor'd:
Cruel flame, nor JOVE'S dread Voice,
When hurries down with thundring Noise.

PROMETHEUS parts from divers Beasts (as fam'd)
To that chief Mud conjoyn'd, when man he fram'd,
Forced so, and did invest
With furious Lyons Heart our brest.

Anger o're-turn'd, with ruine did confound
THYESTES wretch; that plows the Cause and ground
Of lofty'st Cities overthrow,
Till th' unappeas'd, insulting Foe.

Their Plough hostile hath drawn quite ore the Walls
Thy mind allay Me too (which Youth befalls)
Fervent Heat more strongly mov'd,
Till of those hasty Verses prov'd

Composer wild; now wrangling Jars to change
I wish for gentler Mood, would'st thou less strange
(Obloquies recanted more)
Turn'd Friend, thy first kind thoughts restore.

To TYNDARIS. Ode XVII.

He invites her to Lucretilis, shewing how much Content it might afford her.

Swift PAN Lyceus oft doth change
For fair Lucretilis, there range;
And my Goats defend from thence,
Shun'd scorching Heat and storme offence.

Wives to the strong-scented Spouse may rove,
Through Woods secure, for Thyme their Love,
Sculking Crabtree Branch; nor fear
Green-spotted Snakes as harbour'd there.

Kids scorn that Woolvish Forrager,
Those Valleys, TINDARIS, how far,
Rocks of leaning Ustica,
Resound his Pipes melodious Play.

Gods me protect, kind Gods reward
My honest Heart; Muse too regard.
Dainties County-bred shall slow,
And plenteous heap on thee bestow.

Here in close Vale withdrawn, retir'd
From Dogstar's heat, to th' Harp (desir'd)
Thou Circe glassy-cheek'd mai'st sing,
Penelope, Love's rivalling.

Here gentle Cups ith' Shade shalt pour
Of Lesbian wine, that mirthful Hour,
No Mars nor Bacchus Fray molesting;
Nor fear, lest midst our friendly Feasting,

Thy churlish Guardian chance to know,
And rude-bred Arms on thee should throw
(Hard-match) that Flowry Wreath you wear,
And guiltless Garment (last) should tear.

To VARIUS. Ode 18.

Wine moderately drunk makes Chearful, but immoderately Furious.

Varius, no Tree before the sacred Vine
For Tibur-plant, sweet gentle Soil, design;
God does propound things hard where brains be dry;
Corroding Griefs this routed makes to fly.
Who chear'd with Wine sharp Warfare, want condoles;
But (BACCHUS) thee, fair VENUS, thee extols.
But least some LIBER'S sober Gifts exceed,
Let Centaurs Braul with Lapithes fear breed;
And BACCHUS dire to Thrace: Men past their bound,
Greedy of Lusts (small difference) confound
Both right and wrong, kind Bassareus, I never
Shall force thy Will, nor toss thy Secrets ever,
With Vine leaves hid thy Berecinthian Horn.
Fierce Tabers hold, whence blind Self-love is born;
T'advance the Proud, though empty Crest, assaying;
Trust prodigal, close thoughts like Glass betraying.

To GLICERA. Ode XIX.

He seems enamour'd on her Beauty.

Fierce Mother of desires,
And Youth, dispos'd for amorous Fires.
With wanton Ease me move
To softer thoughts, forgotten Love:
View'd GLICERA'S bright cheek,
Bore Parian marble pure, and sleek:
Conjoyn'd coy, pleasing Grace
Enamour'd has; enslaving Face.
Whole Venus falls on me,
Whilst left her Kingdom Cyprus free:
Nor let's of Scythian write,
Or Parthian stout; those things recite.

Green Turf and Vervin there,
Boy, place; sweet Frankincense then bear;
Full bowl of Wine; to Love
Sacrifiz'd, She may gentler prove.

To MÆCENAS. Ode XX.

He invites him to a smaller Banquet.

Dear Roman Knight; cheap grape Sabine
(Small, gentler draughts) shall be thy Wine;
Which in Greek Butt my self did close,
When Shouts arose

I'th' Theatre; till Tiber-banks,
Thy Country-stream to sound in thanks,
(Conjoyn'd Mount Vatican)
Thy praise began.

Cæcubian Juice, with press Calene
Grape tamed drink; our Cups but mean
Choice Falern want, no liquor fills
From Formian hills.

Upon DIANA and APOLLO. Ode XXI.

He exhorts the Maids and Youths to chant their Praises, by Romans us'd

Soft Virgins joyn'd DIANA'S worth proclaim;
Young Men record unshorn APOLLO'S Name;
Their Mother last latona bright,
Trancendent JOVE'S delight.

Chant her whom Streams, Woods, branched shades please so,
(Young Girles) which on Mount Algidus do grow;
Whom dark Thicks Erymanthian hide,
Green Cragus top beside.

Whilst Youths advance sweet Tempe's Grove, renown'd,
And Delo's too APPOLLO'S native Ground;
Her shoulders praise with Quiver deckt,
His Brothers Harp respect.

This mournful War sad Plague and Famine he,
Drawn by your Suit, (whilst Romans CÆSAR free)
Amongst that large Britanick race,
And Persion foes shall chace.

To ARISTIUS. Ode XXII.

The pious Life is safe every where, prov'd by his own example.

The Man upright, pure Innocence
Nor Maurish Bow, keen Darts defence,
Nor Quiver (FUSCUS) swell'd doth need
With poyson'd Breed.

Whether scorch'd Lybian sands doth trace,
Cold Caucasus, unpeopled place,
Or where Hydaspes Champains wide
Doth lick, divide.

For even my self in Sabine Grove,
Whilst chanting LALAGE did rove,
Past bounds unarm'd, wolf stalking by
Seem'd glad to fly.

Such monstrous Beast ner' Dannia fed
In her vast Woods, nor Affrick bred,
Where JUBA raign'd; dry Nurse though she
Toth' Lyons be.

Set me in barren Plain, where grows
No happy Tree that cheered shows
By Summer-gale; which Fogs orecloud,
Malignant shroud:

Or set beneath Sol's burning Car,
Scorch'd Land where view'd no dwellings are;
Sweet-smilling LALAGE shall prove
(Sweet-tongu'd my Love.

Green Turf and Vervin there,
Boy, place; sweet Frankincense then bear;
Full bowl of Wine; to Love
Sacrifiz'd, She may gentler prove.

To CHLOE. Ode XXIII.

He says, there was no cause, why she should fear to touch a man; being grown ripe for Marriage.

Thou shun'st me, CHLOE, like some Faun,
Which seeks fear-stragled Dam through Laun,
Mountains wild; whom simple Ayr,
And Woods with toys do scare:

If through th' attendant Gales o'th' Spring
Leaves tremble ought, use murmuring:
Lizards green the Bramble shake,
Both knees and Heart do quake.

Though I pursue not thee to rend,
Or spoil, the Lyon's, Tyger's end,
Now thy Mothers wing, if ere,
Ripe grown for Man, forbear.

To VIRGIL. Ode XXIV.

Who immoderately bewailed the death of Quintilius; against much sadness.

What measure fit, wise shame to th' vast Desire
Of that dear Friend, MELPOMENE inspire,
Through mournful Strains, whom Cithern joyn'd clear Voice,
Thy Father JOVE allow'd most choice?

Do then eternal Sleep QUINTILIUS hold?
Whom Modesty, pure Faith, that Sister bold
To justice, naked Truth adorned so;
When shall the World his Pattern show?

By good men wept, deplor'd dy'd worthiest He;
Though wept by none, kind VIRGIL, more than thee,
In vain thou beg'st Quintilius back, that was
Not so by th' Gods bestow'd, alas!

What if thou could'st more sweetly sound thy strings
Then ORPHEUS, charming Trees? those senseless things:
Yet would not Blood to th' Ghost return, where ere,
Whom once with dreadful Rod severe.

HERMES hath forc'd amongst that darkned Train;
Nor can smooth Pray'rs past Fates undoe again:
'Tis hard indeed; but what we can't oppose,
Nor mend, by Patience lighter grows.

To LYDIA. Ode XXV.

He insults over her, that growing Old, she was justly despised by her Lovers.

The scornful Youth less rapping play
At Windows now, nor e're the Day
Wake thee; thy constant Door may feet
Lov'd Threshold still;

Which did before smooth Hinges press
So oft; thou hearst now less and less,

One speaking without.

Thy Servant pend with waking brow
Sleep'st, Lydia, Thou?

Youth past, thy Self must weeping moan
For thy hard-hearted Loves (alone)
I'th' dismal Port, Winds blustring found;
Night darksome round.

When such hot raging Lust (forlorn!)
As th' Horse's Minion fires, shall burn
Thy Liver, till proves ulcerous;
Complainest thus.

That jovial Youth loves delicates,
Green Ivie, Mirtle-branch, sweet baits;
Dry trash for HEBER'S Ice, (decay'd)

Northern River.

Winter's comrade.

To his Muse, touching ÆLIUS LAMIUS. Ode XXVI.

It becomes not Lovers of the Muses to be ore-plung'd in Sorrow; praising LAMIAS.

I Muses friend, commit dull sadness, Fear
To th' churlish Winds, through Cretian Seas to bear:
What Merchant toward North-star
Prince o'th' Stormy Realm may scar:

Or what grand King, TYRDATES may affright.
O gentle Muse, whom full clear Founts delight,
To other Champaign-flow'rs come down,
Weave for my LAMIAS a Crown:

Mine honour nought does his advance, alas!
Without thy help, joyn'd Lesbian Harps sweet grace;
Which well becomes thy Sisters, thee
To consecrate eternally.

To his Companions, That they should not quarrel in their Cups, barbarous fashion. Ode XXVII.

The sober Jug, thing born for chearful use,
In quarrels, Frays 'tis Thracian-like t'abuse;
Come, such barbarous fashion leave,
Nor modest Cups of mirth bereave,

Through bloody Brauls; with Wine and Candle-light
How vastly jars that Persian sword and fight?
Friends, such impious Clamour cease,
And still lean on your Couch in peace.

Must also I sharp juice Falerian share?
Then let Megella's brother strait declare,
With what Wound he's blest, indeed,
With what Love-dart do's closely bleed.

Refuse you then, at lower price than this
No drink: whatere inthralling Beauty 'tis;
She burns thee not with shameful Fires,
Unworthy Love, since thy Desires

Flow generously still: whoere it be,
Lay't up in faithful ears. Then is that She?
With gulf, alas, Charibdis-dame
Thou struglest fit for nobler Flame.

What Witch, Magicians art, what God is he,
With strong Thessalian herbs can set thee free?
To that three-form'd Chimæra ty'd,
Scarce Pegasus shall thence divide.

Ode XXVIII.

ARCHYTAS a Philosopher and Geometrician is brought in, answering a Mariner, That all must die; desiring he would cover his dead Corps upon the Sea-shore.

Thee ARCHYTAS, whose Geometrick skill
Measur'd Earth, Seas, unnumbred sand,
Small shroud of dust (bestow'd) confineth still,
Near Matin Port; nor profits (scan'd)
T'have search'd those Ayery Rooms, Stars mansion,
Or travell'd round the Pole, since dead.
Grand Pelops Sire, though feasted Gods, is gone.
And Tithon like to gale is fled:
Minos which of JOVE'S Counsel seem'd, so sage;
Sunk too, twice dead Pithagoras,
Who own'd for his, as liv'd i'th Trojan age:
Euphorbus Shield when by did pass
Nor more than Nerves and skin black Death allow'd;
Whom you'l confess for Author great
In natures Truth's; but all one night do shroud,
All once that Ghostly Road must beat:
War oft doth make sad Games for dreadful Mars;
Seas tost their greedy Seamen drown;
Mixt fun'ral-pile both young and old declares,
None daunts fierce Proserpina's Frown.

My self North-blast, Orions blustring Mate,
Has almost plung'd in gulphy seas;
But, Mariner, don't thou in naked state
My Head and Bones through careless race,
Sand-heap deny; so let Venusian Woods
Those mischiefs feel, which Eastern wind,
(Thou safe) shall threaten to th' Hesperian floods;
Much wealth still flow to thee design'd
From righteous JOVE, NEPTUNE, Tarentum-friend.
If dost neglect which falsness pain
May cause thy guiltless Brood at thy last end
Such fun'ral-Rites with scorn Disdain
May thee befal: Heaven Prayer regard what's more,
Nought shall, attone release for such base heart:
'Tis shorter work, but sprinkle sand thrice ore
My naked Corps, to Seas depart.

To ACCIUS. Ode XXIX.

It was a wonder, that he, laying by Philosophy for love of gain, should turn a Souldier.

Iccius, thou envy'st now so sordid grown,
Th' Arabians wealth, i'th War inrolled one
'Gainst fierce Saban Kings, untam'd;
And chains for dreadful Mede hast fram'd.

Which of their barbarous Girls, her Spouse struck dead,
Shall prove thy Concubine, sing thee to bed?
What Court-youth, perfumed Boy
Thy Page and Skinker's place enjoy?

Whose nimble art makes Seres Shafts to fly
From Father's Bow? that streams, who can deny,
Might lofty mounts climb recoil'd ascend;
And Tiber back his waves extend.

When thou, PANETIUS learned Works each where
Bought up, admir'd Socratick house severe
(Promis'd fairer things) do'st change
For Coat of male, to War must range

To VENUS. Ode XXX.

He begs of her, that she would come into the House of GLYCERA, devoted to her.

O VENUS, Onide, and Paphos-Queen,
Cyprus condemn'd, please t'enter in
GLYCERA'S bright House, since calls thee thence
Much Frankincense:

Thy ardent Boy, those Graces fair,
Ungirt with Nymphs let strait repair;
Fresh Goddess-youth mild, joyn'd with thee,
And MERCURY.

To APOLLO. Ode XXXI.

He asks not riches of Apollo, but a sound mind in an healthful Body.

What begs thy Poet, craves whilst he,
Grand PHÆBUS to thy Deity
Pours forth new Wine, not wealthy Corn
By fat soil'd Sardinia born:

Plump Heards which scorch'd Calabria yields,
Gold, Indian Iv'or nor those fields
Which Lyris gnaws with stream from far,
That smooth, silent wanderer.

Let those whom Fortune much doth bless,
Grapes lopt with hook Calenian press;
Rich Merchants guilded bowls exhaust,
Wines that Syrian Wars did cost;

Who, lov'd by Gods, twice thrice the year
Can plough the Atlantick Seas, storm-clear:
Good Olives, Succhory's my food,
Light Mallows Earth's more vulgar breed.

Me, PHÆBUS, things prepar'd and found,
At home, sound Body, Mind as sound,
Old Age not loathsome, gently Grant;
Nor sweet Citherus touch to want.

To his Harp. Ode XXXII.

He desires that it would be present as his Partner and Companion in Musick.

Ddear Harp, what we conjoyn'd, at ease,
In Shades have sung, let Live and please,
Still I desire; come now, rehearse,
Chant Latin verse.

First by ALCÆUS tun'd alone,
Who, Warrior stout with Navy gone
'Midst Arms themselves, or Anchor-bound
To the moist Shore-ground

Did LIBER, Muses, VENUS sing,
And Boy which still to her doth cling
Choice MYRNE too, black-hair'd and ey'd;

Changed on good grounds.

Thence beautifi'd.

Hail then, thou PHÆBUS-grace, and meet
For JOVE'S high Board, O charming sweet
'Midst Toils or Sorrows to my Heart,
When Called art.

To ALBIUS TIBULLUS. Ode XXXIII.

He exhorts, that he should not grieve too much in that a Rival was prefer'd by Glicera before him.

Albius, grieve not too much, still musing on
Ungentlest GLYCERA, nor chant thy Moan
In doleful Songs, since th' art out shined-now
By Junior through her broken Vow.

That fam'd, with slender Front, LICORIS burns
Through Cirus love; whilst scornful Cirus turns
To coy, sharp PHOLOE; but sooner shall
Kids seek out Wolves to close withal.

Then PHOLOE that Leatcher prove combin'd:
Such VENUS will, who's pleas'd, th' unsuting Mind,
Unsuting Form with brazen Yoak of Love,
In cruel wanton sport to prove.

My self, whom choicer Beauty woo'd in vain,
Mirtale has inthrall'd in grateful Chain;
More angry, fierce than th' Adriatick wave,
Which 'bout Calabrian Creeks does rave.

To Himself. Ode XXXIV.

He seems troubled after some Prodigies, that following the Epicureans, he had less devoutly served the Gods.

I of the Gods late slothful Worshipper,
Whilst Frantick stray'd through sensual Wisdom far
Am compelled mow, by force,
To turn my Sails and former course

To steer again: for th' Author of the Light,
Rending thick Clouds with fiery Flash and bright,
Charret oft through purest Air
Hath drove with thundring Steeds held rare:

Whilst stupid Earth and wandring streams did quake;
Yea th' horrid Doors of Tenarus dire Lake,
Sticks beneath, with Atlas-bound.
God can exchange base things from ground,

With most sublime; does draw forth things obscure
Whilst darkens splendid Ones, their heights unsure:
Fortune oft with mournful noise
Robs these, gives those a favour'd Choice.

To FORTUNE. Ode XXXV.

He begs of her, that she would safely preserve Cæsar, going against the Brittains.

O Goddess, which most grateful Antium sways,
Still present power from lowest Earth to raise
Mortals up, or triumph proud
With slaughters, Funerals to cloud;

Thee courts with anxious Pray'r, the Husband-man,
Poor rural Brood: thee who Carpathian
Brine provokes with sturdy Oares,
As Empress of the Seas implores.

The Dacian fierce, wide-rambling Scythian thee
Do fear, wall'd Towns, unconquer'd Italy:
Wombs that foster'd barb'rous Kings,
Purple-cloath'd Monarchs in their Springs;

Lest with injurious foot thou shouldst ore-turn
Their standing props of State, or people burn
Through lawless Rage; force peaceful Men
To arms, just Rule confounded them.

Thee ushers still severe Necessity,
In whose brass Hand those riving Wedges be,
Monstrous Nails, sharp Clinches too,
With molten Lead past strength t'undo:

Hope too, rare Faith (since worship still) attend,
Clad in white Robes, nor thee renounce for Friend;
Pomp though lately chang'd, as Foe,
Thou didst their pow'rful Seats forgoe.

But that unfaithful Croud, and perjur'd Whore
Shrink basely back; false Friends do soon give o're,
And avoid the dreggish Tun;
Kind simpathizing Yoaks dosy shun.

Our CÆSAR Shield, to th' Britains marching now,
Furthest o'th' World; new raised Bands guard thou,
Which may form to th' Earth a Law,
And red-cheek't Western Main o're-aw.

Alas! we now blush for our Civil Skars,
Last Brethren, Rapes; what mischief worst in Wars
Has this hard Age declin'd? what stands
Untouch't? or whence have bolder hands

Withdrawn through fear o'th' Gods? What Altar spar'd
Inviolate? O, wouldst thou these impar'd,
Blunted Swords but forge anew,
'Gainst Massagets, th' Arabian Crew.

To POMPONIUS NUMIDAS. Ode XXXVI.

For whose return from Spain be much rejoyceth.

With Frankincense combine
Calves offer'd blood, sweet Harp to please
NUMIDA'S Guard divine,
Who now return'd from Spain, at ease,
Gives kisses store to Friends;
Though then dear LAMIAS enjoys
None more, whom Love commends;
Since both one Tutor had when Boys.
Both chang'd for manly Gown
Same time: with white stone mark the day:
Nor mean-fill'd Cups drink down,
Rejoyce, in more transcendent way.
Let DAM'LIS not outvaunt
Bassus at Thracian Boul, though she
Drinks deep nor Roses want,
Nor smallage, Lilly frail, be free
All fix on DAMALIS
Moist eyes, nor rend from her admiring
New Love joyn'd Arms with his;
Like wanton Ivy clasp'd, aspiring.

To His COMPANIONS. Ode XXXVII.

Whom he exhorts to Mirth, for the Actiack Victory.

Now let us drink, now freely dance;
Now's special time, Comrades, t'advance
Banquets 'fore the Gods on Bed,
Like MARS his Priests, bespread.

Some crime Cæcubian Grape 't had been
To draw till now, whilst Ægypt-Queen
Sought through Romes sad funeral
For the Power Imperial.

With her diseased Heard and Train,
Foolish to hope what not in vain,
Drunk with her sweet Fortune made;
That fury though alli'd,

When scarce one Ship exempt from firing:
Whose frantick Soul, through Wine aspiring,
CÆSAR taught by humbling more
True Fears, with nimblest Oar.

Pursuing her flight from Italy,
As Hawk doth tender Dove (or he
That scours through plain Æmonian Plains
The Hare) to tie in Chains

That fatal Bug: who, being of Mind
To perish Gallantly, declin'd
Sword-bred Female Fears, nor sought
For sculking Corners ought,

But Pallas durst destroy'd behold
With front compos'd: nay Vipers cold,
Shrouding each as Bosom-guest,
Drank Poyson through the Brest:

More fierce through studi'd Fate, as though
Disdain'd in Liburn Ship to go,
And a Queen, no common head,
Proud Triumph to be led.

To His SERVANT. Ode XXXVIII.

He bids him prepare nothing for the setting out a Banquet but green Myrtle only.

Boy , Persian furniture and State,
All busie Circumstance I hate;
Flow'r-Crowns, displease, nor Roses seek
Where late do stick:

Toil not, bring simple Mirtle alone;
Nor Wayter thou need least disown
Mirtle, nor I, whilst drinking Wine
Near shady Vine.