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

With ventrous CÆSAR shar'd; Partner to th' end:
But what of us? t'whom Life may pleasant be
Thou still safe, else Burdensome:
Should we desire Court-ease at home,

Not lov'd at all without enjoying Thee?
Though cannot bear War's labour, toyl as does
More hardy Soul, we will endure;
The steps through Alpine Hills (be sure)

Shall trace, inhospitable Caucasus:
Yea follow thee to th' utmost Western bound
With mind untir'd: If thou dost ask,
How we should ease thy Labour task.

Thorough our own; not strong, unwarlike found;
Comrade with thee less proves our Jealous Fear:
Th' Heart's in Absence chiefly stung,
Like Bird o're her unfeather'd Young:

100

Which most suspects smooth gliding Serpents there
When left alone; not that her Presence may
With champion-power Defend them ought:
This and all Wars shall still be fought.

With chearfullness, view'd thine indulgent Ray.
Not that my Ploughs, where more yoak'd Bullocks are,
Should still more in Number shine;
Nor Herds Calabrian fields resign

For Lucan's fresh, ere felt Dog's burning star;
Nor that my white, tall seated Tuscan Town
Should reach remote Circean Tow'rs:
Enough and more thy bounteous show'rs

My Chests enriched have, too much may Drown:
Scarce shall I hoard for greedy Chremes end,
To shroud in Earth, nor as loose Heir to spend.

EPOD. II.

He names one Alphius (some Roman Usurer) who for a fit, much praised the Country-life, prepar'd for that; though soon fell to his City-Trade again.

Alphius,

That man is Blest, who far from City cares,
Like those o'th' ancient Age of Gold,
His Father's grounds Ploughs with his Oxen pairs;
Free'd from all Use for Debts inroll'd
Nor Souldier rouz'd with dreadful Trumpets noise,
Nor Sea-man scar'd with angry Wave;
Shunning Law courts, and Thresholds proud, the Voice
Support of powerful Rich to crave.
Does therefore Poplars tall to th' well grown Vine
In Marriage link, for friendly Breed,
And Lops those barren Sprouts which idly twine,
That happier Off-spring may succeed:
Or else retir'd to gloomy Vale, from far
His lowing wandring Heard beholds.
Sweet Honey's wealth lays up in purest Jar;
Or barbs his weakly Sheep from Folds:
But Autumn shewing her crown'd Head, that wears
Mild Apples, various fruitful Dress,

101

How joyeth he? strait crops his planted Pears:
Then Grape, which Purple challenges.
What should he give thee PRIAPUS? what thee,
SILVANUS? Guardian-Gods for all.
Sometimes he likes th' old Elderus Canopy,
Then couch'd on weaved Grass to fall;
Whilst chanting Birds from Shades his ear rejoyce;
And Brooks from lofty Banks, with those
Small streaming Founts, yield gentle Murmurs noise,
Sweet Lullabies for soft Repose:
But Winter when arriv'd, when thundring JOVE
Commandeth Show'rs, with Snows and Frost,
Keen-tusked Boars, with Dogs, he drives to Rove,
Till in confronting Toyls be tost:
Or smaller Nets on slender props he tyes,
Deceit to catch the greedy Thrush;
The wandring Crane's his Gin's triumphant Prize,
And fearful Hare from sculking Bush.
Who not 'mongst these forgets those pining Cares,
Mischiefs, tormenting Racks of Love?
But if some honest Dame to th' House-affairs
(Sweet Children's help) conjoyned prove,
Such as the Sabine-Wife, or Sun-burnt Spouse
Of sturdy-back'd Apulian,
They build with Wood th' Hearths Consecrated brows,
When coming home her tir'd Good-man:
The joyful Beasts shut up in hurdle Stalls,
For Milk their swelling Uddern's dry'd;
And this year's Wine from cleanly Cask that falls,
With home-bred Food to th' Board apply'd.
Not me should more those Lucrine Cockles brave,
Nor Turbot, Guilt-heads choice, delight
(If thundring Winter on the Eastern Wave
Should some to th' Western Seas affright)
Nor th' Africk Fowl descend into my Panch
More pleas'd, th' Ionick Quail (not these)
Then Olive choice, cull'd from the fattest Branch
Of prime selected Olive Trees;
Or Mallows good for Folks infirm, or that
Field-loving herb, green Sorrel call'd:
Or Lamb which on Feast Terminal does wait;
Snatch'd Kid from Wolvish jaws, enthrall'd.
'Midst this Repast how pleasant glance to view
The well-fed Sheep returning home:

102

Behold, when Plough-shares turn'd, those Oxen crew
With heavy drawing Necks to come:
Slaves plac'd; the Rich man's toyling Bees, as 'twere:
While shining round fresh Houshold-Gods.
This when had spoke ALPHIUS the Usurer;
As bent for Rustick life by odds,
He call'd in all his Gold this Month with pain,
Though seeks next Month to lend it forth again.

To MÆCENAS. Epod. III.

Having eaten Garlick with Mæcenas he doth much inveigh against it.

Who from this time with Impious hand (as Curse)
His aged Father's Neck shall break,
Let Garlick eat for Doom, then Hemlock worse;
Who Reapers strongest Guts can speak?
How flames this Poyson through my Bowels round?
Am I deceiv'd with Vipers blood,
Well stew'd with Herbs? or did some Witch compound,
CANIDIA dress the spiteful Food?
MEDEA. since beyond each Argonaut
JASON their lovely chief admir'd,
When Yoaks unknown for furious Bulls he brought,
Nointed with this his Limbs infir'd.
Roabs daub'd with this, reveng'd o'th' burned Whore
His Wife, on Dragon-bird she fled.
Nere in Dog-days th' Apulians droughty shore
Such fume from scorching Stars o'respread;
Nor flam'd more hot that Guift which HERCULES,
Stout Champion, on his Shoulders bare.
But if thy self, MÆCENAS, Wag, shalt please
To use such Food, be this my Pray'r.
May thy Belov'd still to thy Kiss oppose
Her Hand, and shrink to th' Beds far-side, for close.

103

To VOLETIUS MENA, the Freed-man of POMPEY the Great. Epod. IV.

What loathing 'twixt the Wolf and Lamb is born,
By nature's bred 'twixt thee and me;
Whose parched side with Spanish whipcord worn,
And Shanks through Fetters brawny be.
Though proud thou walk'st through Golden sums each day,
Yet Fortune changes not the kind;
See'st not, whilst thou dost tread the Sacred way
With Gown where full six Ells confin'd,
How looks doth Dart on thee with frank Disdain
Each Passenger? what Jeers that hour?
This Fellow lash'd, till made the Beadle ore-strain,
With whips by Triumviral power,
Some thousand acres Falern Soyl doth plough,
With Foot-cloath th' Appian Road he wears.
Brave Roman Knight, 'mongst foremost seated now;
Whilst OTHO's Law contemn'd appears.
Wherefore such store of ponderous Ships and vast,
Where brasen-beaked Fronts are shown,
'Gainst Pirats sent? that Servile rout, in hast?
This Slave of Souldiers Tribune grown.

Epod. V. Upon the Witch CANIDIA.

He feigns in Mirth, that being in love with Him, she would force him by Charm to come to Her; a noble Boy, for that end, starv'd by Her to Death; or Love to others.

You Gods, what-ere from Heaven the Earth
Ore-sway, rule men of Mortal birth;
What means this Tumult, why are thrown
Deadly Eyes on me alone?
By thine own Children, if to true
Births call'd LUCINA aided you,
By this vain Purple-garb more gay,
And displeased JOVE, I pray,

104

Why Step-dame-like dost view me round?
Or at some Whale, felt Launces wound?
When done these trembling Plaints, the Boy,
Stript of Honour'd Roabs and joy,
Stood tender Corps, whose naked sight
Barbarous Thracian soften might.
CANIDIA the Locks of whom
Seem'd Vipers wreath'd, unus'd to Comb,
Wild Fig-trees which from Graves did spring,
Funeral Cypress call'd to bring;
Eggs nointed with Frogs foulest Blood,
Nightly Screich-Owls Plumes, as good;
And what strange-Herbs Iolchos yields.
Or Iberia's poysonous Fields:
Snatcht bones from mouths of Dogs, when fasting,
Into Colchick fires casting.
When SAGAN, sprinkling strait the Floar.
With Waters from Averna's shoar,
Stiff-hair'd becomes most Hedghog like,
Or brisled Boars when runs to strike.
VEIA, whom Conscience nere could touch,
Faint through Labours groaning much
Dig'd with hard Spade a hole ith' ground:
That so the Boy, near bury'd round;
Food twice or thrice the Day set by,
Then with-drawn might starving Dy:
Since still his Mouth stood forth like those
Hang'd by th' Chin ith' water close;
That so his Marrow, Livour dry'd
Might Love-potion prove, apply'd;
After his Eys, on food untasted
Fixed still, grew languid, wasted.
That FOLIA the Witch was one,
Whose Manlike Lust toward Females known
Large quiet Naples with th' adjoin'd
Town did believe, nor Rumour coin'd:
Whose charm, Thessalian-voice doth even
Moon and Stars pluck down from Heaven:
Here fierce CANIDIA, biting hard
(Black-tooth'd) her Thumb, whose nail unpar'd,
What said she? said she not? O You,
My affairs which order, do,
Close Night and Moon of silence Queen
(Whilst these sacred acts have been)

105

Now present help, and 'gainst my Foe
Your wrathful Deities forth show:
Whilst dreadful Beasts in Lurking shades
Drowzy, sweet Repose invades:
Wench-fill'd Suburar's Dogs let bark
At that old Leacher in the dark,
When comes with Nard perfum'd, choice fine,
As ere made by hands of Mine
What's chanc'd? why fail those Poisons founded
By MEDÆA fierce, compounded?
With which of Creon's Daughter she
(Royal Whore) took Vengeance free;
When giving venom'd Robe did burn
That new Bride, to cinders turn:
Although nor Herb, nor pow'rful Root
On Cliffs escap'd my hand to do't:
He Sleeps (while charmed Bed daub'd o're)
With dull forgetfulness of Whore:
O vile! yet Varus rouz'd through Verse
That Witch more skillful did rehearse
Then walk'd by Potions strange unknown:
O, who oft-times must weep and groan;
Thou shalt run, fly to me, nor shall
Thy lost mind Marsian Spells recal.
Much stronger Cup I'l frame, produce,
And through scornful thee infuse;
Rather shall Skys sink down the Deep,
Th' Earth aloft her station keep,
Then thou not burn with Love-desires
Of me, like Brimstone in black Fires.
This spoke; the Boy not now asswag'd
Those impious Hags with Pray'rs, enrag'd;
But doubtful whence to break that hour
Silence thus forth did Curses pour:
Charms, though right, wrong confound, will not
Hinder your Humane course, Deaths lot:
I'l Curse you all, strong Execration
Proves repell'd by no oblation:
But when I'm gone, Death's wither'd Plant,
Like Midnight Fury you I'l haunt;
And scratch your Cheeks with ugly claws,
Ghostly Gods such vengeance cause:
Couching upon your anguish'd Hearts,
Whilst fear-frighted Rest departs:

106

The Croud shall stone you up and down,
Beastly'st Hags through-out the Town:
Wolves (last) Birds Exquiline each-where
Your unbury'd Limbs shall bear
Nor shall my Parents prove (surviv'd)
Of that joyful Sight depriv'd.

Epod. VI.

Upon CASSIUS SEVERUS, an ill-tongu'd and abusive Poet.

Why, envious Dog, dost harmless Strangers vex,
Sloathful 'gainst the Wolvish train?
Turn'st thou on me fond threats, as would'st perplex,
Who if provok'd sholl Bite again?
For like some Lacon-Dog, or Mastif Foe
(Pastors friendly Guard though be)
I shall with prickt-up ears, through mounting Snow
Pursue that Beast precedeth me.
Thou when th' hast fill'd the Wood with dreadful Voice,
Thy scent dost use for Belly-chear:
Snarler, take heed, for 'gainst such Bauling noise
Still ready goring Horns I bear.
Like injur'd Him 'gainst whom Lycambe rayl'd,
Whom Bupalus Foe did try;
Shall I, when prove with blacker Tooth assayl'd,
Like unrevenged Boy go cry?

To the People of ROME. Epod. VII.

He inveighs against that Civil War, made by Brutus and Cassius on the one side, and by Octavianus, M. Antonius, and M. Lepidus on the other.

Where Impious do you run? why fitted are
Swords late sheath'd to th' Martial hand?
As though small Latine blood through Civil War
Purple-dy'd both Seas and Land:

107

Not that the Romans might in flames display
Envious Carthage haughty Tow'rs;
Nor Brittains strong march through the sacred way,
Chain'd, subjected by their pow'rs:
But that this City might as Ruine fall
By her own hand, Parthians desire:
Thing nor by Wolves, nor Lions us'd, they all
'Gainst different formed Beasts conspire.
Does some blind Madness seize, or fatal force,
Wicked Mood? your answer show:
Th' are dumb, their Cheeks turn'd pale through Bloods divorce,
Minds perplext, amazed grow.
'Tis truth, most bitter Fates drive Romans on,
That Guilt of slaughter'd Brothers Crime;
Since harmless Vines drenc'd th' earth of REMUS gone,
Curse found indeed to th' After-time.

[_]

Epod. VIII. Omitted for good reasons.

To MÆCENAS. Epod. IX.

He feels that Joy beforehand which he should have (triumph prepar'd) for CÆSAR'S conquest of M. Anthony and Cleopatra.

When shall I Drink with thee, MÆCENAS blest
(CÆSAR full Conqueror in fine)
Under thy lofty'st Roof, reserv'd for Feast,
Cæcubian grape? JOVE'S will divine?
Chanting mixt verse to th' Harp and Pipe (the first
Dorick, last barbarous) as late
We drank, when that Neptunian Chief, Sea-curst,
Fled since Ships burn'd, compell'd by Fate.
Threatning to Rome those Bonds he did unty
(Friend once) from false Sicilian Slaves;
Roman, which those unborn will sure deny,
Mad Vassal turn'd to Female, raves.
Brings logs for Trench, nor does joyn'd service shun
With wrinkled Eunuches Ægypt-bred.
Amongst whose Flags, whose warlike Tents the Sun
Beholds base courtly Bridal bed.

108

'Gainst him the French, two thousand Horse, stout band
Advanc'd proclaiming CÆSAR'S right;
Whilst in th' Antonian Port, more o'th' left hand,
Lodg'd swiftest Barks for eager flight.
O Triumph, thou those Golden Chariots, thou
Th' Oxen unslain dost yet defer;
Nor didst thou from Jugurthine war, with Brow
Palm-wreath'd, like valiant Captain bear.
Nor th' African, although on Carthage-heap
Virtue his Sepulcher did raise;
Our conquer'd Foe by Sea and Land (more cheap)
His Purple by for Sables lays.
Or he's dispos'd for Creet through adverse Wind,
Whom hundred Cities Tow'rs adorn;
For Lybian sands with northern blast inclin'd,
Or stray'd through doubtful Seas is born.
Bring hither, Boy, Gobblets more large, advance
With Chios grape, with Lesbian vine;
Or fluid Qualms good to prevent (if chance)
Pour forth to us Cæcubian wine:
It pleases me in sweeter Juice my cares
To drown, those doubts of CÆSAR'S grand Affairs.

To MÆVIUS the Poet. Epod. X.

Unworthy man. bad Poet, it seems, he prays in mirth, that Ship-wrack may befall him.

Ship lanches forth with sadly ominous Bird,
That stinking MÆVIUS doth bear;
Batter both sides, with horid Waves concurr'd,
Thou stern South-wind, remember there:
Let East-mind black (ore-turning Depths) abuse
Her Cables, Oars; dispersed, broke;
And Northern blast, such as to rend does use,
On Mountain-tops the trembling Oak:
Nor friendly Star shine forth that blackest Night,
When stormy, sad Orion falls;
No calmer Sea transport then did affright
Greek Conquerors, rac'd Trojan walls.
When PALLAS did, Troy burnt, her blustering wrath
'Gainst Ajax impious Ship display.

109

What foulest Sweat thy Seamen round will bath?
Whilst thou wan-cheek'd appear'st like clay:
With strange unmanly houl, or whining kind,
Sower pray'rs sent to JOVE averse:
When th' Adrian Port, roaring through Northern wind,
Thy dismal Ship shall breaking pierce.
But if most dainty Prey, on crooked Shore
Stretch'd forth, for Sea-fowls thou become,
Choice lustful Goat, black Lamb shall from the store
Be sacrifiz'd to Storms, at home.

[_]

Epod. XI. Omitted for good reasons.

[_]

Epod. XII. Omitted for good reasons.

To his FRIENDS. Epod. XIII.

He exhorts that they would spend the Winter chearfully.

Thick, horrid Storms through straitned sky display
Snows, showrs, bring JOVE to Earth; now Woods and Seas
With Thracian North resound: snatch from the Day
Occasion, Friends, whilst knees prove strong, at ease;
Whilst fit, Old-age with wrinkled brows dispel.
Come, Wine advance TORQUATUS Consul prest,
More mention not; God things may order well
(Perhaps) through gracious change: Now pleases best
Choice Persian Nard, perfumes, clear minds restor'd
From direful Cares, with strings Mercurian.
As Centaur sung to's Scholler-prince deplor'd
Youth THETIS-born, no less unconquer'd Man:
Thee waits that Trojan soil, whom cooler streams
Of small Scamander, Simois fleet divide:
Though darkned thence thy Sea-green Mother's beams,
Since, Life-thread broke, return by Fates deny'd:
There drown all ill, deformed Mischiefs, harms
With Wine and Song, those sweetly pow'rful charms.

110

To MÆCENAS. Epod. XIV.

Disturb'd through PHRYNE'S love, he could not perform those promised Iambicks.

Why soft Sloath hath such strange forgetfulness
Through all my Pow'rs diffus'd,
As if those Bouls whence Lethe-sleeps oppress
My thirsty Jaws had us'd;
MÆCENAS sweet, your oft Demands do kill:
Forbidden hath a God
That promis'd work, th' Iambicks, to fulfil,
And crown with period.
No less did burn Anacreon, 'tis told,
Through bright Barsena's face;
Who oft his love to th' Harp did sadly unfold,
Lost choicer numbers grace.
Thy self too scorch'd, but if not fairer Fire
Burnt straitned Troy then thee
Boast of thy chance loose Phryne's love, Desire
Late Bond-Maid tortures me.

To NEÆRA. Epod. XV.

He complaineth of her Perjury.

'Twas Night, the Moon in clearest Sky did raign
'Mongst twinkling Starry train;
When thou abusing Gods, those ears Divine,
Didst swear that thou wast Mine:
Clasping more close then th' Ivy Oak does hold,
With gentlest Arms in fold;
Whilst Wolves scare flocks, Seamen ORION'S Star,
Wind winter waves at War;
APOLLO'S Locks unshorn by Zephir tost,
Joyn'd Love should ne're be lost,
O NEÆRA, whom my braver Soul must grieve;
If Horace man, believe,
I'l not endure thee Nights with others spend,
But choose complying Friend:

111

Nor constant stoop to thy disdainful Form,
If once shall truly storm.
And thou whoere, thus Blest, by my Disgrace
Grown proud and next in place,
Though though be'st Lord of Lands fair flocks supream;
Pactolus golden stream;
For wisdom prove twice-born Pythagoras,
Young Nyris form surpass;
Thou't soon deplore through her inconstant Love;
Whilst I shall Laughter prove.

To the PEOPLE of ROME. Epod. XVI.

He bewails the State, for its Civil Wars, Dissensions.

Now second age is worn in Civil wars,
And Rome by her own strength doth fall;
Whom could not wast Marsians, our borderers,
Porsenna's threatning hand enthral;
Capua's emulous force, Spartacus rough,
Th' unfaithful Gaul through new desires,
Nor blew-ey'd German youth of sturdy proof,
Hannibal, loath'd by mourning Sires,
We shall destroy (foul, blood-devoted Age)
Till streets do lodg wild Beasts agen;
Her ashes stamp'd by barbarous Foe, bruis'd stage
For horse resounding Hoofs, unclean:
And Romulus bones, yet freed from Wind and Sun,
Proud, wicked hands shall dissipate.
Perchance you all, or th' better part, would shun
Wars mischief, Toils, orewhelming fate,
Let then this Councel move, as Phoceans
Their City wandring fled, with Curse;
Their houses, grounds resign'd, with hallow'd Fanes
For Bores and wolvish dens, no worse;
Let's go where feet can carry, Mates, where-ere
The North shall call, or fierce South-wind:
Is this approv'd best Vote? Why sails to rear
Defer'd when Omen choice combin'd?
But to this all be sworn, when Rocks the deep
Shall gliding range, let's hasten home;

112

When Poe the crest of Mount Matine, so steep,
Shall washing scour, spread sails for Rome:
When into th' Sea tall Apennine shall rush,
Or Monsters mix through strangest Love
New-coupled Limbs; Stags Tigers kindly crush;
Adulterate with Rites the Dove:
Nor credulous Heards the yellow Lion fear,
Smooth Goat rejoyc'd with brinish Wave;
These vow'd, resolv'd; so fond returns forswear
Let's go with general Voice and brave,
Or Wiser part then th' ill-train'd Croud; the rest
(Soft, fearful) to their Beds give o're.
You vertuous Ones plaints womanish detest,
And fly beyond th' Etruscan shore;
Th' all wandring Ocean prove those blisful fields
Let us regard those wealthy Isles,
Where th' Earth unplough'd her Annual harvest yields;
And Vine unprun'd with plenty smiles:
Where th' Olive-branch gives full and lage Account,
Black-cheeked Fig Trees kindly graces;
Moist Honey streams from th' hallow'd Oak, soft Fount
Leaps from the Hills with murmuring paces.
There Goats unbid to th' Milking pale do come,
Stretch'd Dugs in friendly Flocks abound;
No Evening-bears 'bout Folds do bauling roam,
Nor swells with Viper-brood the ground.
More things you'l blest admire, that moist East-wind
Ne're gluts the Soil with dashing show'rs;
Nor those fat Seeds prove burnt through droughts unkind,
Heav'ns king since tempers both conforms.
Ne're Argos-pine with Oars did thither hast,
Medean Witch lust harbour there;
Nor Cadmus troop with horned Sayls and Mast,
ULISSES toilsome Band appear:
No Murrains cattle wrong, nor scorch'd their Flock
Through Stars bad raging heats, effect.
JOVE still conceal'd those Shores for pious Stock,
Gold-times with Brass when did infect;
Though now to Iron hardned hath our Age,
Whence good Men may for happy Flight idgage.

113

To CANDIDIA. Epod. XVII.

He begs in sport that she would pardon him feigning himself conquer'd by her Witchcrafts, since had late publish'd them.

Lo, now I yield; such thy grand Art this hour;
And beg by PROSERPINE'S infernal power,
By th' Deity of DIAN great, unmov'd;
And by those Books, whose charming Verse approv'd
Can call down Stars from Heav'n, where fixed fast,
CANIDIA, cease those direful sounds at last;
And summon back that Whirlwind-storm, be mild.
King Telephus (fierce Nereus Grandchild)
ACHILLES sooth'd, 'gainst whom stout Mysian Band
Had proudly sent sharp Darts from threatning hand.
Joy'd Trojan wives embalm'd, though long detain'd,
Man-killing HECTOR'S Corps, for dogs ordain'd,
Wild beasts and fowl; when PRIAM (left the Wall)
Prostrate before that sturdi'st Chief did fall.
Those toilsome Mates, Ulisses Mariners,
Their brisled Limbs laid by when (clear'd from jars)
CIRCE well pleas'd; Mind. Humane Voice did then
Return, their Locks shew'd wonted grace agen.
I've now endur'd full punishment, and more,
O thou whom Seamen love, admire, implore;
My Youth's consum'd, fresh, bashful Colour gone.
From cloathed Bones, and swarthiness put on.
My Hair turn'd Grey through those thy Fumes opprest,
No couch with ease from Torture give me rest:
Night day thrusts on, Day night with endless smart,
Nor can I cool with Breathing gales my Heart.
Thus am I wretch orecome, made now believe,
That charming Verse tormented hearts can grieve:
Dire Marsian Songs make shatter'd heads to mourn,
What would'st thou more? O Seas and Land I burn,
More then did HERCULES with blackest blood
Of Centaur Nessus daub'd, or raging Flood
Of fires in Ætna's womb: thou, still dost find
Me Ashes-like tost by th' injurious Wind,
Flam'st here like Shop with Colchis-poyson stor'd;
What end remains? What mulckt shall I afford?
Speak't out, the Doom my flesh shall nought withstand
Resold'd to expiate, should'st thou command

114

An hundred Bullocks strait; or would'st thou be
With lying Harp pronounc'd chast, vertuous She?
Like golden Star thou traverse shalt the Skyes,
Castor displeas'd, since touch'd through verse unwise
HELLEN'S bad fame, with's Brother (angry men)
Suit made, restor'd to th' Poet eyes agen;
So thou, who canst, my former Brain restore
O free'd from Parents sordid filth. What's more,
No learn'd Oldwife for scattering nine days Dust
From poor men's Sepulchers; such things unjust:
Mild breast thou bear'st with purest hands from ill;
Thy Womb brings forth, and Midwife cleanseth still
Thy clouts made red through Childbirth-blood, when ere
Thou risest up strong, lusty Mother there.

Epod. XVIII

CANIDIA'S Answer, shewing that no Prayers shall overcome her, since the Poet had divulg'd her Witchcrafts, so abus'd her.

Why dost pour forth thy Pray'rs to closed Ears?
Not Rocks more deaf to Seamen drown'd in Fears;
Whom NEPTUNE batters oft with brinish Wave;
Shalt thou, unscourg'd, my dark flesh-rites deprave?
And noise abroad those Spells of free Desire?
Rome with my Name (revengeless) daub'd like mire?
Grand Priest advanc'd o'th' Witchcraft Esquiline.
Thou see'st Pelignian Hags, with vain design,
Some nimbler Drug for killing to compound;
Since slower Fates, then wisht, shall thee confound.
Thy tedious Life protracted, Wretch shall be,
That thou mai'st bear more Plagues, new misery.
PELOPS unfaithful Sire, that TANTALUS
Needs friendly Food, repose still longs for thus.
So longs PROMETHEUS still to th' Vulture ty'd;
Sisiphus too that Stone would fixt abid
On th' Mountains top; but JOVE withdraws the power.
Sometimes thou would'st leap down from lofty Tower,
Sometimes with Sword rip up thy Breast, too weak:
In vain thou shalt knit Halters for thy Neck;
Through loathsome Grief orewhelm'd, sad Scoffers pride,
When on thy hateful Back I'l mounted ride:

115

And shrinking Earth my Insolence shall prove.
Shall I, that can make waxen Statues move
(As thon dost, Peeper, know) by charming sound
Pluck down the Moon from th' Heavenly Pole to ground;
Temper that Drink of strong desire, if please;
Complain my Art on thee should nothing seize?

Epod. XIX.

HORACE his secular Poem, for the safety of the Romane Empire:

Phæbus, dian, Woods ruling Power;
Joyn'd grace of Heav'n (O worthy still
To be ador'd) in hallow'd hour
Our Suits fulfil.

When SIBIL'S warning Verse recounts,
Choice Girls with purest Youths should sing
Anthem to th' Gods, seven stately Mounts
Still favouring.

Indulgent Sun, whose Charret bright
Draws forth the Day, then shrouds conceal'd;
New-born, yet the Old none greater fight
Then Rome beheld.

ILITHIA, th' Assistant mild
To Births mature, please Mothers soon;
Whether LUCINA nam'd or stil'd
Th' ingendring Moon.

Goddess, our stock enlarge, and bless
Decrees for joyning Womankind;
Prosper that Husbands law no less,
New race defign'd.

That so ten times ten years may frame
(Done certain Orb) Songs, sports delight;
Thrice by clear Day, as oft the same
When pleasing Night.

And you Truth-speaking Fates, that chose
Great Rome, let fixt Event at last
Shew what's decree'd; Good days to those
Conjoyn o're-past.

Let th' Earth with Fruits and Cattle stor'd
CERES with Crown of corn present
Whilst strength sweet waters, Air afford
What Earth does vent.

116

APOLLO mild, thy Darts unseen,
Hear Youths (well pleas'd) imploring grace;
And LUNA thou, Stars horned Queen,
The Virgin-race.

If Rome's your work, if Trojan Bands
Through you sought Tuscan shores, did change
Town, Country-Gods by your commands;
Far safely range:

Whom through Troys burning Fires so great
ÆNEAS chast, since Friends surviv'd,
Did strongly guard; found better Seat
Then those depriv'd.

Gods grant our Youth good manners taught
Gods grant Old age content, repose;
With Off-spring power, let Rome be fraught;
Whilst wealth oreflows.

And let ANCHYSES, Venus seed,
White Bulls which on your Altars throw,
Rule Lords in War; though gentle indeed
To th' prostrate Foe.

Mede fears our Land and Naval strength,
Those Alban Axes deem'd their Fate;
And Scithians court mild Terms, at length,
Proud Ind of late.

Faith, Concord, Worth, with Modesty
Now dare t'appear; and quite forlorn
Vertue's restor'd; rich Plenty free,
With pregnant horn.

PHEBUS all-wise, with glistering Bow,
Choice friend belov'd o'th' Muses nine,
That cheers Faint, drooping Mortals so
Through art Divine;

Palatine Towr's if own'd his charge,
Rome's wealth and strength of Latium
For five years more may he enlarge:
Best Age to come.

DIANA too, Mount Algidus
Which holds with lofty Aventine,
To th' fifteen Men (sports ord'ring thus)
Youths prayers incline.

That JOVE and Gods do these allow,
Strong hopes I bear, since PHÆBUS praise,
Learn'd Quire, with joyn'd DIANA'S now
Can chanting blaze.

FINIS.