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

I should give Silver Bouls, lov'd CENSORINE,
Statues of Brass to my Comrades, as free,
Or rich three-footed Tables, present fine
For Grecian Chiefs; nor guifts of mean Degree
Should's thou enjoy; if wealthy in things of Art
Which SCOPAS or PARRASIUS did invent;
On Marble This, in colours That his part
Most lively play'd, Man, God could represent:
But I have no such pow'r, nor dost thou want
In mind, or House those daintier Rarities:
Verses thou lov'st, and we can Verses chant,
Frankly bestow; Guifts valuable these:
Not Marble carv'd with publick titles, praise,
By which Life-breath does seem restor'd withal
To Worthies dead; nor timerous flights so base,
Proud threats repell'd of churlish HANNIBAL,
Nor burning Tops of perjur'd Carthage Tow'rs,
More brightly show'd his Worth, who manful gain'd
New-added name from Africk's conquer'd pow'rs,
Then ENNIUS, that Calabrian Muse well-strain'd.
Nor could'st thou reap Reward, where Papers dumb
To thy grand Acts, what would of ROMULUS,
That Youth by MARS and ILIA become,
Did envious Silence shroud his Praise from us?
Æacus snatcht from Stygian streams and fate
Wits force, regard, from Poets powerful high;
To th' Islands wealthy term'd does consecrate:
Praise-worthy men stout Mase forbids to Dye.

Muse does advance to Heaven; Thus, honour'd Guest
Herc'les inroll'd at JOVE'S desired board:
Castor and Pollux stars (with Godhead blest)
Tost Ships from gulfy Depths have oft restor'd:
BACCHUS, whose brows with green Vine-branch are crown'd,
Hears Poets pray'rs; their Friends doth make renown'd.