University of Virginia Library

ODE

On the Birth-day of two Friends. In Imitation of an Epigram of Martial.

Bright morning Star, revisit Earth,
Nor give our Joy delay,
Sacred to Virtuous Friendship's Birth,
Bright Star, bring on the Day.
Each Nymph, each Swain the Day requires,
Come on, nor let us deem
Thou borrow'st, to bring on thy Fires,
Bootes' lazy Team.
When well thou know'st thou may'st command
The swift Ledæan Horse,
Pollux to thee would pleas'd descend,
And Castor urge thy Course:
And wishing void the Boon of Jove,
Own these more Wisdom show,
Who live, nor envy Joys above,
Unparted Friends below.
Come then, nor stop the eager Sun,
His fretting Coursers neigh,
And bright Aurora's blush is on
To usher in the Day.
Nor Cynthia, nor Night's Stars will fade,
But long e'er they retire
The happiest Pair e'er Friendship made
To shine on and admire.
Let them then stand—with all his Light
Be Phœbus far away,
In Cynthia's and in Nature's spight
Our Joy shall make the Day.