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.
