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

Dost VENUS move Love-wars again,
Unpractis'd long? excuse me now, my Strength
Is not now such as when did raign
Kind-hearted CYNERA: forbear at length,
Cruel Mother oft of sweet desires;
Taught me to bend, (Ag'd fifty years, or more)
To th' wanton Task. Go where thy fires
Fond Youngsters beg, with soothing Prayers implore;
Thou seasonabler Friend shall Feast,
Swift drawn by joyned Swans, within the Roof
Of PAULUS MAXIMUS as Guest;
If Livor seek'st compos'd for Flames of proof;

This Noble-rank'd and comely fac'd,
Well-spoken too for sad Delinquents found,
With hundred Arts Youth neatly grac'd,
Thy warlike Ensigns wide shall bear, renown'd:
Whose powerful Smiles win more respect,
Then largest Guifts from common Rivals doe,
This Marble Statue shall erect
For thee near Alban Lakes, rich Covering too;
There bounteous Frankincense thy smell
Shall banquet oft, thy curious Ears delight
Choice verse to th' Harp conjoyned well;
Pipe Berecinthian too shall Flutes invite:
There Youth with tender Girls thy power,
Even and Morn, shall dancing celebrate;
Thrice beating still the Earth that hour
With their white feet, like Mars his Priests instate.
Me Womankind nor pleases now,
Nor credulous hope of Faithful answering Love,
Mutual flames; nor girded Brow
With Odorous Flow'rs, nor strifes in Wine to prove.
[OMITTED]

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[The rest on good grounds omitted.]