Epigrams of Martial, Englished with some other pieces, ancient and modern. Epigrammata. English. Selections Martial. 1695 Approx. 381 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 170 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A52102 Wing M830 ESTC R20924 12226083 ocm 12226083 56500 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A52102) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 56500) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 607:11) Epigrams of Martial, Englished with some other pieces, ancient and modern. Epigrammata. English. Selections Martial. Killigrew, Henry, 1613-1700. [17], 316 p., 1 leaf of plates. Printed for Henry Bonwicke ..., London : 1695. Running title: Martial's epigrams. Errata: p. 316. Translated by Henry Killigrew. Originally published under title: Select Epigrams of Martial, translated into English ... London, 1689. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Epigrams, Latin. 2004-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-05 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-06 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2004-06 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion M. VAL. MARTIALIS . LONDON . Printed for Henry Bonwicke . EPIGRAMS OF MARTIAL , ENGLISHED . With some Other Pieces , Ancient and Modern . Dicitur & nostros cantare Britannia versus . Mart. Lib. IX . Ep. 4. On the Frontispiece . Whose chance it is , to take in hand this Book , In the Satyric-Mirror let him look ; Wherein , if Wise , with much delight he 'll see , From what fond Vice his Nobler Soul is free : If Foolish , he 'll astonish'd be to find , A Stranger better knew , than he , his Mind : And if he flys from so severe a School , To wink , boots not , when others see the Fool. LONDON , Printed for Henry Bonwicke at the Red Lyon in St. Paul's Church-yard , 1695. TO THE READER . On Translation in General . HE that Translates , than he that Writes , does more ; For he must please upon a double Score ; That of his Author first , then on his own , Hold out compar'd , be Good when read alone . When he that from his Brain does first endite , Has paid all Debts , if well he does but write . Translation then a Comment ought to be , Not only change the Tongue , but Author free From Darkness ; clear his Sense , sometimes improve : For if the Second Pen soar not above His lowest Stoops , 't will ne're that Grace repay , Which in the Work , too oft , will slip away . But then , who will translate to this Degree , Be held the Author's Second Self to be , Must not cleave servilely to ev'ry Phrase , And think , therein , he has deserv'd the Bays : Sometimes , 't is true , a Word 's an Epigram , There he must Sweat , till he express the same With like Felicity : But on each Word Who equal Pains and Travel shall afford , And thinks't a Mastery the same to hit , Will oft spend Cost on Weakness ' stead of Wit ; Make his Verse strut , and pride it in that part , Which was the Author's Shift , perhaps , not Art. Some things will bear , some will require a Change And the chief Purpose will appear less strange I● new Terms , than its own . A nobler Aim He will pursue , if he shall seek a Name , By keeping of the Force , not Words ; the Wit And Grace , and evermore the Genius hit , That powerful Thing so hard 't is to expound , But in whatever is well Writ , is found . But then no Law with them will e're dispense , Who wildly ramble from the Author's sense ; Not only shift his Phrase , but leave his way ; Follow not his , but their own Phancies sway ; Little regarding what they undertook , Namely , to English , not to write a Book . To such we say , Martial we hop'd to see , His Epigrams , not those were writ by Thee . Obj. But th' Author seems sometimes to droop & drowz . Ans. If there a brisk but wary Touch do rowz His Vein , the well-plac'd judgment all will praise , And with his Worth your Own you 'l joyntly raise . But when he 's exc'llent , if you balk or range , Write what you will , none will accept the change , But rigidly the Author's Sense require . As he that of a Painter shall desire To copy some much-lov'd or honour'd Face , Unlikeness will not please with better grace . Altho' , alas , what some more graceful deem , Meer Blunders , and not Master-strokes do seem . How Rash must he be then , who nothing fears , To change a Work approv'd a thousand Years ? But , when he faithfully shou'd the Text express , Preferrs to shew himself a Beau in Verse ; And with such confidence does act this part , As if his Error were a Rule of Art. Others there are , who to this Work address , With more pretence , but with as small success : Who , when it is their Province to explain The Author's Excellence and noble Vein , His beaut'ous Schemes to best advantage show , Their Pains in searching Manuscripts bestow ; To criticize upon the Text affect , The Poet not t' illustrate , but correct ; Think if their Toyl retrieve from Mould and Rust , Some Various Reading long obscur'd in Dust , Th 'ave reach'd the highest Point , tho' nought it tend T' improve the Sense , or any grace to lend . What boots it , how the words are understood , If the exchange produces nothing good ? These Mens Abilities their Margents speak , Their Notes are learn'd , their Version dull and weak . Dost ask , If I have all these Laws obey'd ? Th 'ave been my aim , however I have stray'd . TO THE READER . On the Present Translation . WHo , for the Public View , employs his Pen , Writes to as many Iudges , as to Men ; To those know more than he , to those know less ; To those are skill'd , to those can only guess ; He must submit ( altho' he lose his Cause ) To trifling Phancies , as to equal Laws : Nay , and as if th' Objections were too few , Himself , against Himself , must find out new And curious ones , such as much Pains have taught , And great Experience only could have brought : And answ'ring all , he 's yet not freed from Fear : For when thus arm'd at ev'ry Point , ev'n where He least does think of Wounds , the fatal Steel ( Tho' like Achilles dipp'd ) will find his Heel . Thus I am charg'd — Cens. — From th' Author thou dost range , His Sense abridge , enlarge , and sometimes change . Trans . If , as thou say'st , I did not sometimes stray , I oft should lose the End , to keep the Way ; And tho' the Author , to Translate , might boast , His Wit would vanish , and his Drift be lost . Again , where he does blaze , tho' tax , that Sin , The Heathen World was so engulphed in , If any scap'd the knowledge of 't before , I like'd not that my Pen should teach them more . Cens. But while this Sin thou fondly dost detest , Thou slight'st his smartest Epigrams and best . Trans . Who shall translate Martial's licentious Rage , Unless he also could translate the Age In which he liv'd , with Vice 't would him oppress , Who never 'gainst Decorum did transgress . But this so little we observ'd do find , Men speak the Author's Words without his Mind : For whereas he with Gall the Vice did press , They set it forth exalted in their Verse ; No scruple make to bring it into Vogue , Brand not and lash , but glorifie the Rogue ; Bold Nomenclators they delight to show Themselves of Vice , but little Good to know ; And if we rightly their Performance state , 'T is their Lewd Selves , not others , they translate . Cens. Yet with some looser Touches you dispense . Trans . Conclude not that I break my Rule from thence : But as a Painter , that will likeness take , Must not refuse i' th' Face a Scarr to make , If such he finds : So I engag'd to draw Martial's Resemblance , fetter'd by this Law , Some Tracts must take , which not so comely be , That those who see the Piece , may say , 'T is He ; And tho' I his Obsceneness do omit , Have merry , tho' not wanton , Martial hit . Cens. You might have let the Work wholly alone . Trans . O candid Censor ! in amends for one Default , how many Noble Precepts shine , How many sharp Reproofs enrich each Line ? When the flat Preacher does exhort in vain , A thousand Vices by his Verse are slain , And Vertues taught ; Men rather would be dead , Than in his Poem branded and ill-read . Cens. Oft thou insertest Verses of thine own , Ambitious that the Author them should own . Trans If in some parts I have the Text enlarg'd , My Margent's fair , and with few Notes is charg'd : Nor do I rove from the prescrib'd Intent , But plainer shew what 't was the Poet meant : Which Glosses , tho' not Children of his Brain , Yet for his Childrens Children may be ta'en . And who the Latin , vainly shall contend , In as few English words to comprehend ; Against this Evil he will never fence , But render oft a cramp'd abortive sense ; And when his Author and himself h 'as vext , His Version shall be dark , tho' clear the Text. Heaps of dry Names , in part too , I omit , When more they clog , than they advance the Wit ; Customs , again , I change , when exolete , Coins , Names of Fishes , Fowls , and various Meat , Of which best Criticks doubt , altho' they treat : For in those times , tho' these were known to all , Now for a tedious Comment they do call ; Which no more grateful way I could prevent , Than by a Modern pat Equivalent . Censure not then the Changes that I make , If they illustrate , from the Sense not take ; In Zeal to Martial load me with Dispraise , Where he himself , alive , wou'd give me Bays . When to speak English , is impos'd my Task ; 'T is foolish to affect a Roman Mask . And , learned Censor , thou wert not my Care In this , who can'st th' Original compare , But who their Mother-tongue do only know , And further than I lead them , cannot go . Cens. Epigrams thou disorderd'st without cause . Trans . Nor for their Order know I any Laws : If Fancy place a few , Reason can none ; Beside , of Fifteen Books , I make but * One. Cens. Thy Verse is rough and harsh — Trans . — With this dispense , I forfeit Number oft , to give thee Sense , And Metre too , it fuller to impart , Tho' I poclaim thereby my want of Art. And oft the Craggy Epigramick Strain Will not allow a smooth Maronian Vein : And who a flowing Verse shall here affect , The Sting , the Force , the Genius , must neglect . Cens. Then to this Paradox we must agree , Epigrammatist and Poet none can be . Trans . No ; but this Truth , by whomsoever spoke , Martial and Virgil t is in vain to yoke . Cens. All who this Work have hitherto essay'd , Martial have not translated , but betray'd ; Debas'd his Muse , and all the Good th 'ave done , Th 'ave forestall'd others , and no Glory won . Trans . The vain Attempts of such as go before , The Generous and Brave encourage more ; And more Illustrious still is his Renown , VVho takes , when many are repuls'd , the Town . But here is no forestalling in the Case , Ev'ry new Pen may start , and shew , new Grace . The Wits of Old would share among a Score One Epigram , and thought their Pains so poor , That Tryal yet was left for Hundreds more . And if thou 'lt shew the Age , by doing better , Nought yet is done , it will be still thy Debtor . Cens. Thou but few Epigrams , and not chosen well , Dost to the World present — Trans . — Those that Excel To nobler Pens I leave ; which I wish may Far out-do mine , and ev'ry weak Essay The VVorld has known . Nor shall I grieve to see , On this Account , my Leaves condemn'd to be Mantles for Soap and Spice , Carpets for Pyes , VVhile in the Desk th' Illustrious Version lyes , Adorn'd with Art and Cost , rich Gilt and Strung , Th' Applause and Ioy of ev'ry Ear and Tongue . TO THE Judicious READER . THat with no Verses I come usher'd forth , Proceeds not from Opinion of my VVorth : But for such Grace I did forbear to sue , 'Cause Friends write all they can , not what is due ; And in these Cases it is always known , They shew not th' Author's Merit , but their own . But if that Thou , on prospect of my Book , Shalt Martial take , and on the Latin look , And say , A just Translation I have made , Diluted not the Force , nor Grace betrai'd . Such VVords , without Hyperbole of Praise , VVill heap upon me a whole Grove of Bays . EPIGRAMS OF MARTIAL ENGLISHED . LIB . SPECTAC . Epigr. 1. On Caesar's Amphitheatre . EGYPT , forbear thy Pyramids to praise , A barb'rous Work up to a Wonder raise ; Let Babylon cease th' incessant Toyl to prize , Which made her Walls to such immensness rise ; Nor let th' Ephesians boast the curious Art , Which Wonder to their Temple does impart . Delos dissemble too the high Renown , Which did thy Horn-fram'd Altar lately crown ; Caria to vaunt thy Mausoleum spare , Sumptuous for Cost , and yet for Art more rare , As not borne up , but pendulous i' th' Air : All Works to Caesar's Theatre give place , This Wonder Fame above the rest does grace . Ep. 2. On the Publick Works . Where the Etherial Coloss does appear , The towring Machin to the Stars draw near , The hated Court , which so much Blood did spill , Late stood ; one House the City seem'd to fill ! Where the stupendious Theatre's vast Pile Is rear'd , there Nero's Fish-ponds were e'er-while . Here , where the Baths , a great , yet speedy , Gift , All Men admire , ( the People left to shift For Dwellings ) late was a proud ample Space , Reserv'd to boast an insolent State and Grace . Where now a goodly Tarras does extend , The City both with Shade and Walks befriend , Was but the Courts Fagg and expiring End. Rome's to it self restor'd ; in Caesar's Reign , The Prince's Pleasures now the People gain . Ep. 3. To Caesar , exhibiting Shows . What Land 's so barb'rous , Caesar , so remote , Whose Natives come not to admire thy Court ? Rough Thracians hither from Mount Hemus speed , Fierce Tartars , who on Flesh of Horses feed ; Who the Nile drink at the first Spring and Head , Britains from utmost Thule hither led ; Arabs make haste , Cilicians posting come , And in their Saffron Show'rs are drench'd at Rome ; Germans with rolling Locks in knots up furl'd , Ethiops after a diff'rent manner curl'd . Various their Voices sound , but Hearts , we see , And the whole Jargon , does in One agree , When Father of thy Country All style thee . Ep. 4. To Caesar , upon his banishing Informers . The hateful Crew to Peace and sweet Repose , Informers , anxious Wealth 's molesting Foes , ( The Lions not sufficing to destroy The Num'rous Caitives , that did all annoy ) To th' Isles , and furthest Africa are sent , And those that caus'd , now suffer , Banishment . Thus while from Rome , sad Exiles , they do stray , Even Life , 'mong Caesar's Boons , we reckon may . Ep. 6. To Caesar , on a Woman's fighting with a Lion. 'T is not enough , in this our Martial Age , That Men , but Women in fierce Combate gage . Among the noblest Acts Fame does resound , Alcides laid a Lion on the Ground . Let Fables cease : Caesar , at thy Command , This hath been acted by a Female Hand . Ep. 10. On a Lion that hurt his Keeper . A trait'rous Lion on his Keeper flew , In him that fed him , durst his Teeth embrew : But Vengeance worthy of his Crime , he found , Who bore not Stripes , was forc'd to bear * a Wound . To such a Prince what Manners ought Men show , Who Beasts commands a Gratitude to know ? Ep. 12. On a Sow that farrow'd through a Wound she receiv'd . I' th' publick Huntings Caesar did allow , A Jav'lin swift transfixt a pregnant Sow . Straight from the wounded Dam the Litter sprung . Lucina , call'st thou this , to bring forth Young ? The dying Sow wish'd that her wounds were more , That Issues had been made for all her Store . Who denies Bacchus from the Womb was torn ? A God might well , when Beasts were this way born . Ep. 13. On the same . A Pregnant Sow , pierc'd with a deadly Blow , Her Life at once did lose , and Life bestow . How sure an Aim did the dire Steel command ! Lucina , 't was believ'd to be thy Hand : For dying both thy Deities she found , The Huntress , and the Midwife , in her Wound . Ep. 14. On the same . A Sow , her Litter ready to have laid , Was by a fatal Stroke a Mother made ; The Young , not staying Birth , ran forth the Wound . How quick a Wit in sudden Streights is found ! Ep. 15. On Carpophorus . A Boar Meleager which gave thee a Name , Adds little to Carpophorus his Fame ; Who a vast Bear , rushing upon him , flew , The Northern Clime a fiercer never knew ; A Lion , which became Alcides hand , Of immense Bulk he laid upon the Sand ; Also a Pard : And when the Prize was won , He still was fresh , and could yet more have done . Ep. 16. To Caesar , On Hercules carry'd to the Clouds upon a Bull. That from the Stage a Bull t'wards Heav'n did fly , Was not th' Exploit of Art , but Deity . A Bull Europa through the Surges bore , But with Alcides now 'bove Clouds doth soar . The Fact of Caesar , and of Iove compare , Which of the two shall we pronounce most rare ? Suppose the Burdens even ; were that true , The Lighter loaded swam , the heavier flew . Ep. 17. On an Elephant's kneeling to Caesar. That thee an Elephant suppliant did adore , Who stroke with Terror a fierce Bull before , To 's Keeper's Art , cannot imputed be ; We must ascribe it to thy Deity . Ep. 18. On a Tyger's killing a Lion. The rare-seen Glory of th' Hircanian Land , A Tyger , wont to lick his Master's Hand , In Pieces tore a Lion in his Rage , A thing not known before in any Age. He durst not this attempt in Forests high , Beasts among Men learn greater Cruelty . Ep. 21. On the Fable of Orpheus acted in the Theatre . What in the Thracian Mount's of Orpheus told , Thy Theatre , Great Caesar , did unfold , The Rocks were seen to move , the Woods to run , When to his Harp the wondrous Minstrel sung ; Together with the Trees the Beasts were led , And hov'ring Birds circled his Sacred Head. At last a Bear the Prophet piece-meal tore , Acted in truth , what fabled was before . Ep. 25. On Leander . Leander , cease t' admire the Seas did spare Thy last-nights Passage , Caesar's Seas they were . While to enjoy Loves Sweets thou didst address , And boist'rous Waves thee threaten'd to oppress , Thus , Wretch , the raging Seas thou didst implore , Drown me returning , waft me safely o'er . Ep. 26. On the Representation of the Sea and Sea-Gods . The feigned Sea-Gods sport i' th' Waves with ease , Figuring with various Forms the yielding Seas ; One shakes a Trident , while another rides A Fish , or in a Fish-drawn Chariot Glides . Barks mov'd with Oares , Sails swell'd with Wind , we see , Castor and Pollux there appear'd to be . Not real Seas so gratifie the Sense , Thetis taught here , or fram'd her Realm from hence . Ep. 27. On Carpophorus . If former Ages had Carpoph'rus known , Beside himself , there would have needed none , The Monsters through the World to have subdu'd , Being , in truth , with all that Might endu'd , Which to the Fab'lous Heroes gave a Name , Rais'd Iasons , Perseus , Meleager's Fame . Theseus , for th' Minotaur , had ne'er been crown'd ; For th' Nemean Lion Hercules renown'd ; The Hydra , which so oft renew'd the Fight , At first Assault he would have slain out-right ; Chimaera , of such various Figures form'd , His pow'rful Hand would all at Once have storm'd ; The Bulls , which from their Nostrils breath'd a Flame , Without a Charm , his Courage knew to tame ; Hesiones devouring Orke to quaile , Andromeda to rescue from the Whale . Let Poets then their specious Lies relate , How Iove , a Matchless Hero to create , Two Nights did turn to one ; to him allow A Term of Life , twelve Labours to go through . Carpoph'rus Glory yet does his excel , By whom , in one day , twenty Monsters fell . Ep. 29. On two Gladiators . Priscus and Verus , while with equal Might , Prolong'd an obstinate and doubtful Fight , The People , oft , their Mission did desire ; But Caesar from the Law would not retire , Which did the Prize and Victory unite , Yet gave them what Encouragement he might ; Largess of Meat and Money did bestow , Which also 'mong the People he did throw . I' th' end , howe'er , the Strife was equal found , Both fought alike , and both alike gave ground : So that the Palm was upon each conferr'd , Their undecided Valour this deserv'd . Under no Prince before we e'er did see , That two should fight , and both should Victors be . Ep. 30. To Caesar. My Haste , tho' faulty , ought thee to appease , Pardon his Haste , who hasted thee to please . LIB . I. Epigr. 1. To Cato . WHen thou the Wanton Rites of Flora's Feast Didst know , the Peoples License then exprest Why cam'st thou in , four Cato , 'mong the Rout ? Did'st enter only , that thou might'st go out ? Ep. 2. Martial to the Reader . He whom thou read'st , is he by thee desir'd , Martial , throughout the World known and admir'● For his keen Epigrams : And unto whom Th'indulgent Reader did the Laurel doom , While yet he liv'd , and could enjoy his Fame ; When others after Death scarce get a Name . Ep. 4. To his Book . In publick Hands thy self thou 'dst rather see , Advent'rous Book , than longer stay with me , Thou knowst not , ah , the Pride great Rome will show , Trust me , the Sons of Mars too much do know : No where both Young and Old so practise Scorn , Even Children shew * Rhinoceros's Horn. While loud Applauses , and Reception fair , Thou hope'st , they 'll Scoffing , toss thee in the Air. But thou impatient Blots to undergo , And my Pen's sharp Corrections still to know , Thou seek'st thro' the wide World , Wanton , to rome : Go then , but safer 't were to stay at Home . Ep. 5. To Caesar. If my Book , Caesar , comes into thy Hand , Lay by those Looks , which do the World command . When thou in Triumph rid'st , thou dost submit , To be the Subject of the Soldier 's Wit. My Verses read with so serene a Face , As * Thymele and * Latine thou dost Grace . The Censor does with harmless Pastime bear , My Leaves are wanton , but my Life 's severe . Ep. 9. To Decian . Consummate Cato's , and great Thrasea's Strain , As far as Prudence goes , thou dost maintain , And not thy Breast on naked Swords dost run ; What Men judge best , that Decian , thou hast done . He 's not approv'd , who cheaply dies for Fame ; But without Death , who gets a glorious Name . Ep. 10. On Cotta . A pretty , and a great Man , thou 'dst be deem'd ; But Prettiness is Littleness esteem'd . Ep. 11. On Gemellus and Maronilla . Gemellus , Maronilla fain would wed , Aspires by Pray'rs , by Gifts , unto her Bed , By Friends , by Tears : So wond'rous fair is she ? Nothing that lives can more deformed be . What is 't that pleases then , and takes his Eye ? She 's rich , and coughs , and gives good hopes she 'll dye . Ep. 13. On Regulus . Near Hercules Fane , and Tibur's cooling Streams , Where Alba Vapours forth pale sulphurous Steams . Meadows , and Lands , are seen , a sacred Grove , Four Miles from Rome , the Muses Care and Love : A rude old Portico , near to these high rais'd , For grateful Shade , in Heats of Summer , prais'd , A monstrous Fact committed had well nigh , As Regulus in 's Chariot passed by ; The ponderous Fabrick rusht unto the Ground , And him , and 's Train did , only not , confound ; But Fortune did our Plaints , and Curses fear , Nor equal was the odious Crime to bear . The Ruin pleases now ; which did not prove While yet it stood , what Care the Gods above Have of good Men , their Guardianship and Love. Ep. 14. On Arria and Petus . When Arria to her Petus gave the Sword , With which her chast and faithful Breast sh 'ad gor'd , Trust me , said she , that I my self have slain , I do not grieve , 't is thy Death gives me Pain . Ep. 16. To Julius . Iulius , who com'st not my best Friends behind , If constant Faith avail , a sincere Mind ; The Term of threescore Years th' ast past almost , And but few happy Days thou yet canst boast . Ill thou deferr'st those Joys may never come , And which , when past , thou only thine canst sum . Evils on Evils cease not us to ply , But Joys return not , tho' they swiftly fly . Use all thy Force to hold them , yet you 'll find , You may as well embrace the Waves or Wind. That he will live , a wise Man should not say , To Morrow's late , he ought to live to Day . Ep. 17. To Avitus . Some things are good , indiff'rent some , some nought You read : A Book can't otherwise be wrote . Ep. 18. To Titus . Thou urgest me to plead , dost oft repeat , How great it is , a wrong Cause to defeat ? That which the Ploughman does , is also great . Ep. 19. To Tucca. Tucca , what strange Delight is this of thine , To mix the Noblest with the Vilest Wine ? What so great Good , from Bad , didst e'er receive ? Or of what Good did thee the Good bereave ? Our Throats to cut , may no great Matter be : To slay Falernum is a high Degree Of Murder , rich Campanian Wine t' abuse , I' th' Gen'rous Grape rank Poison to infuse . Thy Guests may possibly deserve their Bane : Such Precious Liquor , cannot , to be Slain . Ep. 20. On AElia . Four Teeth , as I remember , were thy Store , One Cough spit-out two , and one Cough two more . Now safely thou mayst Cough thy whole Life through , For the third Cough has nothing lest to do . Ep. 21. To Caecilian . What Brutishness is this ? when Friends you treat , They looking on , alone you Mushroms eat . What on such Gluttony shall I implore ? Mayst Claudiu's Mushroms eat , and ne'er eat more . Ep. 22. On Mucius Scevola . When , for the King , his Scribe bold Mucius slew , In Flames , instead of Blood , he did embrew His erring Hand . The Foe , not steel'd to see 〈…〉 A Prodigy so fell , bad him Go free . What Mucius , in contempt of Pain , was bold To act , Porsena fainted to behold . His Failing Hand thus Greater Glory found , Had he not Err'd , he had been less Renown'd . Ep. 26. On Faustinus . At length , Faustinus , let the World obtain , The polish'd Pieces of thy learned Brain : Which the Athenian Schools would highly praise , And our old Sages to the Stars will raise ! Dost doubt , t' admit Fame standing at thy Gate ? Thy Labours just Reward to bear , dost hate ? That which will After , In thy Time let live ; Too late Men Praise unto our Ashes give . Ep. 28. To Procillus . To Sup with me , to thee I did propound , But 't was when our full Cups had oft gone round . The thing thou straight concluded'st to be done , Merry and Sober words counting all one : Th'Example's dang'rous at the highest rate , A Memorative Drunkard all Men hate . Ep. 30. To Fidentinus . 'T is said , my Books thou dost abroad recite , As if my Verses thou thy self didst write . Verses I 'll Gratis send , let them be mine , Otherwise buy them , that they may be thine . Ep. 33. To Sabidius . I love thee not , but why , I can't display , I love thee not , is all that I can say . Ep. 34. On Galla. Galla , alone , her Father's Death ne'er weeps , When any come , in Tears her Cheeks she steeps . That , Galla , is not Grief , for Praise is shown ; She truly grieves , that grieves when she 's alone . Ep. 36. To Cornelius . Cornelius , thou complain'st , I Verses write So loose and wanton , Masters they affright From reading in the Schools . But these my Books , Please , if not wanton , none who on them looks , More than the Marriage-Bed , without due Rites , The Sob'rest Man , or Chastest Wife delights . Thou may'st say too , A Nuptial Song endite , But in the Nuptial Language do not write . Who e'er did Flora gravely dress before ? Or put a Matron's Stole upon a Whore ? To Epigrams much License is allow'd , Nor please they , speaking always in a Cloud . Wherefore lay by thy Grave and Sourer Mind , And judge my Sportive Muse in her own Kind ; Geld not my Verse , for foul is his Mistake , Who a Priapus , Cybel's Priest , would make . Ep. 37 To Lucanus and Tullius . If to thee Tullius , or to , Lucan , thee , Castor and Pollux Fate allow'd might be , Your Pious Strife both mutually wou'd show , Each before other unto Death wou'd go : And He whose lot it was to lead the Way , Live my Time , Brother , and your own , wou'd say . Ep. 39. On Fidentinus . The Book , Fidentine , which thou read'st , is mine ; But while thou read'st it Ill , thou mak'st it thine . Ep. 40. To Decianus . If a rare Friend I wou'd essay to show , So faithful , Ages past did only know ; If one imbew'd with Greek and Latin lore , Whom single Goodness through all Dangers bore ; Guardian , and Friend of Truth , who would not fear ; That Men , of what he asks the Gods , should hear ; Who leans alone on 's Vertue great and sound , Decian is he , in whom all these are found . Ep. 41. To the Envious . Who read'st these Lines , from ranc'rous Spleen not free , May'st Envy all , and none e'er Envy thee . Ep. 42. On Cecilius . Thou seem'st Facetious , to thy self , to be , But others no such thing , in thee , can see . What then ? Brutish Buffoonery and Rank , Such as the Cryers shew on Tibur's Bank. That which for Wit among some People passes , Chaffering for Brimstone , Matches , broken Glasses . Such as the Sellers of warm Pulse and Meat , Delight those with , who in the Streets do eat ; Such as from Boys and Butchers you shall hear , When Pug goes by , the Bag-pipe , and the Bear ; From Ballad-singers of the meanest Strain , When People make a Ring , t' applaud their Vein ; Such as old Bauds do undertake to make , Whose shameless Impudence , for Wit , some take . Cease then , at length , fondly thy self to deem , What none , beside thy self , do thee esteem : That from * Caballus thou dost bear the Bell , In Drollery , fam'd * Galba , far excel . It is not given to all , to have a Wit , True Ralliery in the right Vein to hit : Who utters sottish Jests , and scurrilous Dross , Sextus Caballus acts not , but the Horse . Ep. 43. On Porcia . When Brutus death Fame unto Porcia brought , And Friends with-held the Arms , her Sorrow sought . I thought , said she , my * Father when he dy'd , Taught ye , that Death to none can be deny'd . She spoke , and greedily devour'd the Fire : Go now , officious Throng , vainly conspire The Weapons to deny , my Grief desire . Ep. 45. To Stella . If twice the Hares and Lions sporting be A Subject , Stella , trivial unto thee , Revenge thy self upon me with like Fare , Invite me twice , and set before me Hare . Ep. 54. To Fidentine . I' th' Book th' ast filcht from me , one Page alone Is thine , and to be thine is so well known , It all the rest proclaims to be purloin'd . So greasy home-spun Cloth to Scarlet joyn'd , Its Lustre , as it wrongs , and does defile It self , it also renders the more vile : So Earthen Cups , with Chrystal set in place , The worse they suit , the more themselves disgrace : In Consort thus ridiculous does show , Among the Milk-white Swans a Rascal Crow : A chattring Pies harsh Notes in Groves so sound , Where Quires of charming Nightingales abound . I need no Critick's Aid for my Relief , Thy own vile Verse rights me , and calls thee Thief . Ep. 55. To Fuscus . If thou hast room t' admit a Friend yet more , Fuscus on all sides throng'd with Friends before , I beg the place : And do not me refuse , Because I 'm new , into the List to chuse . Those that now boast , thy oldest Friends they are , Had once a time , when they but new ones were . Look only thou , if he that now does sue To be thy Friend , may prove an Old and True. Ep. 56. To Fronto . Wouldst thou know what my highest Wishes are , Fronto , the Glory both of Peace and War ? They are , to plough my own , tho' little , Field ; Small Means to have , which may much Leisure yield . Will any wise , the Morning Ave pay To frozen Marbles , e'er the break of Day , Who may unfold , before his Fire , and warm , Nets loaded from his small , but fruitful , Farm ? Or with his Line may take the Fish alive ? Fetch Amber Honey from the dropping Hive ? Whose propt-up Table by his Hind is prest With his own Cates , which unbought Fewel drest ? May they not love this Life , that love not me , But aged grow in City-drudgery . Ep. 58. To Flaccus . Wouldst know what Temper I to love would chuse ? What Maid I like , and what I would refuse ; I neither like the facile , nor the coy ; The Over-hard , nor easie to enjoy . A mean , 'twixt both , I rather do approve , She that nor Racks , nor Cloys , the Sweets of Love. Ep. 63. On Levina . Levina chast as Sabins were of old , Than her strict Husband yet more strict and cold : While in the common Baths she did descend , And in those Freedoms many Hours did spend , She fell in Love ; in the cold Streams took Fire ; And burning with a Youth in loose Desire , She left her Husband , and her vertuous Name , Helen went thence , Penelope that came . Ep. 64. On Celer . Celer , to read my Epigrams , does crave : But to recite his own 's the thing he 'd have . Ep. 65. To Fabulla . Th' art fair and young , Fabulla , it is true , And also rich , to give thee but thy Due : But when of these thou dost so often vaunt , Wealth , Youth , and Beauty , none so much does want Ep. 67. To one that stole his Verses . Thou sordid Felon of my Verse and Fame , So cheap dost hope to get a Poet's Name , As by the Purchase barely of my Book For ten vile Pence Eternal Glory rook ? Find out some Virgin Poem ne'er saw Day , Which wary Writers in their Desks do lay Lock'd up , and known unto themselves alone ; Not one with Using torn , and sordid grown . A Publish'd Work can ne'er the Author change , Like one ne'er pass'd the Press , that ne'er did range The World trimly bound up : And such I 'll sell , Give me my Price , nor will the Secret tell . He that another's Wit and Fame will own , Must Silence buy , and not a Book that 's known . Ep. 68. To Choerilus . Thou blam'st me often , that I write too free ; I seem to do so when I write of Thee . * Ep. 69. On Rufus . All Rufus Thoughts and Actions Nevia fills , His Grief , Joy , Silence , all speak Nevia still ; Where'er he feasts , Nevia's in●'s Speech alone , He wants all Powers , if Nevia makes not one . Meaning to wish his Father the Good Day , Nevia my Light , Ave , his Tongue did say ! Nevia read this , and closely smil'd thereon , Why Fool dost rave , Nevia's not thine alone . Ep. 71. To his Book . Go Book , to Proculus splendid Seat resort , And , in my Stead , make thy officious Court. Let not his State and Grandure thee dismay , To th' Learn'd no Gate affords an op'ner way , To Phaebus and the Muses is more dear ; If he shall ask , Why is himself not here ? Reply , I could not ( were my Verses slight ) Attend the great , and e'en such mean ones write . Ep. 73. On Fidentine . For Verses , Fidentine , thou stealst from me , A Poet fain thou wouldst reputed be ; Old AEgle so , well-tooth'd would yet be thought , When she a Set of Ivory Teeth hath bought ; Painted Lycoris to her self seems fair , Who only with a Gypsie can compare , On like Account , a Poet thou art nam'd , And may'st , tho' bald , for youthful Locks be fam'd . Ep. 77. To Flaccus . Among my Noblest Friends , thou who hast place , Flaccus , the Offspring of Antenor's Race ; Renounce the Muses Songs , and charming Quire , Not one of them Enrich those they inspire . Court not Apollo , Pallas has the Gold , She 's wise , and does the Gods in Mortgage hold . What Profit is there in an Ivy Wreath ? Its Fruits the loaden Olive sinks beneath , In Helicon there 's nought but Springs and Bays , The Muses Harps , loud-sounding empty Praise . What with Parnassus's Streams hast thou to do ? The Roman Forum's rich , and nearer too ; There the Cash chinks : But 'bout the Poet 's Chai● The Smacks of Kisses only fill the Air. Ep. 79. On Festus . When a foul Gangren seiz'd on Festus Face , And the Black Venom spread o'er all the Place ; With unwet Eyes , his weeping Friends he told , Th' infernal Shades he purpos'd to behold . But then his pious Throat he did not stain With Poison , nor chuse Famin's ling'ring Pain : But by a Roman Death he did decree , ( The noblest way ) to set his Spirit free . Far more Renoun'd was his , than Cato's End ; Cato was Cesar's Foe , but he his Friend . Ep. 84. On Manneja . That thy Dog loves to lick thy Lips , th' art pleas'd He 'll lick that too , of which thy Belly 's eas'd ; And not to flatter , and the Truth to smother , I do believe , he knows not one from t' other . Ep. 85. On Quirinus , a Roman Knight . Quirinus likes by no Means to be wed , Yet Fruit desires , and has , o' th' Marriage Bed. How can this be ? His Maids can solve the Doubt , By whom he has of Young Slave-Knights a rout To stock his Farm and Fields . Truly may he Be stil'd , the Father of his Family . Ep. 87. On Novius . Novius so very near my Neighbour is , That from my Window my Hand reaches his . Who does not envy me , that in my Pow'r , Have thus a Friend t' enjoy at ev'ry Hour ? But Rufus is not more remote to me , Who now in Egypt does command , than he . We never meet ; nor in the Town there are , ( However near ) yet any Two so far . 'T is requisite , that either he , or I , Further remove , but so to bring us nigh . For he that wishes Novius ne'er to see , Let him his Neighbour , or his Inmate , be . Ep. 88. To Fescennia . Lest thy o'er-nights Debauch thy Breath disclose Thou seek'st , Fescennia , on us to impose , By eating rich Pasteels , and Amber Plums , These fur thy Teeth : But when the foul Belch comes From thy crude Maw , they help thee in no wise , But the Stink's stronger made by this Disguise , Doubl'd , and trebl'd , and does further go . When thus , thy Tricks discover'd , all do know , Henceforth , to free us from this compound Stink , Be Sober , otherwise avow'dly Drink . Ep. 89. An Epitaph on Alcimus . Alcime , who didst in Years yet blooming die , And , by a light Turf cover'd , here dost lie . I rear no towring Tombs of massie Stone , A vain Expence , that Fame confers on None : But plant frail Box and Palms , whose verdant shade . Drench'd by my Tears , shall be immortal made . Receive thou then the Monument I give , A Verse that will unto all Ages live : And when my Life is spun , and Days expire , No nobler Monument I my self Desire . Ep. 90. To Cinna . Cinna , th' art ever wisp'ring in the Ear , And wisp'ring that which all the World may hear . Thou laugh'st i' th' Ear , weepst , quarrel'st , dost disput● , Thou sigh'st in th' Ear , dost hollow , and art mute : So far th' art gone in this Disease , I swear , Thou praisest Caesar often in the Ear. Ep. 92. To Laetius . Thou blam'st my Verses , and conceal'st thine own , Or publish thine , or else let mine alone . Ep. 98. On Nevolus . When all a Clamour make , at once contend , Then thou art loudest too , dost most pretend T' have much to say : For this would'st learned seem . Have all , a pow'rful Patron , thee to deem . Behold , the Court is hush'd , now speak you may , But for thy Client now th' ast nought to say . Ep. 99. On Diodorus . Th' ast Gouty Feet , yet stoutly dost withstand At Law , and pay'st no Fees the Courts demand . Is not the Gout , Diodore , in thy Hand ? Ep. 100. To one that grew sordid upon obtaining great Riches . When yet thou wert not worth an Hundred Pound , So Generous , so Noble , thou wert found , So Sumptuous , that it was the Wish of all , Calenus , an Estate might thee befall , Suiting thy Mind . The Gods our Pray'rs did hear , And less than in the Compass of a Year , Vast Wealth , by four dead Friends , was to thee left : But thou ( as if of thousands now bereft , And not enrich'd ) so sordid strait dost grow , That in a solemn Feast thou didst bestow ( Which Annual was , and seven old Friends did treat ) A pound of Leaden Coyn , for all thy Meat . What does this Baseness bid us next to pray ? The Gods would snatch their Ill-plac'd Wealth away ? No ; But to give thee many thousands more . That starve thou may'st out-right in so much Store . Ep. 104. On the like . Thou saidst , when yet thou hadst not a Knights-Fee , If Heav'n would grant four thousand Pounds to me , Oh , in what Ease , what Splendor , I would live ! The easie Gods smil'd , and the Sum did give . But then thy Gown was sordid , Cloke thread-bare , Shoes , thrice and four-times clouted , thou didst wear ; Of poor ten Olives , some were still set up ; On the same Meat thou used'st twice to Sup ; Lees of Wine serv'd thee , which Vientus bore ; A peny-worth of Pulse , a Peny Whore. We 'll sue the Cheat : Live better , or refund Unto the Gods ; th' ast mock'd , four thousand Pound . Ep. 108. To Lucius Julius . Oft , Noble Lucius , thou dost this repeat , Th' art Idle , Martial , something write that 's Great . Then give me Ease , such as Mecenas gave , When the like Work from Virgil he would have ; I 'll frame a Verse with such immortal Flame , As to all Ages shall preserve my Name . The Yoke does pinch that 's born in Barren Soyl , The Rich Ground tires , but Sweeter is the Toyl . Ep. 109. To Gallus . May thy fair Farm ( tho beyond Tibur site ) As it does now , thee more and more delight : My Rooms V●psanian Laurels do behold , In the which Region I am now grown Old ; A Journey 't is , to give thee the Good-Morn , But such thou art , tho further , to be born : One Gown-man more , yet were not much to thee , Tho to detain this One , is much to me . My Book shall th' Early Ave for me pay , And I 'll attend when ended is the Day . Ep. 110. On Issa , a little Bitch . Issa's Toyings wittier are , Than those of Lesbia's Sparrow were . Issa's Caresses , and her Loves , Are purer than the Billing Doves . Than Virgins she 's more Soft and Nice , Than richest Gems of higher Price . Bitch Issa is to Publius dear , Bitch Issa has no where her Peer . Her Whining you would Speaking deem , She , her Lord's Cares to know , does seem . Tho' in his Neck , close to his Ear She Sleeps , no Breathing he can hear . When she has need her self to Ease , Her Lord she courts , that he would please To set her down , and gently scrapes ; Be sure , no Drop from her escapes . To Venus she was ne'er inclin'd , And hard a Husband 't were to find So soft a Bride . Least Death's sad Day Should wholly ravish her away , Publius caus'd her drawn to be , And Issa you so like may see , ( Do but the Piece with Her compare ) Issa her self you 'ld think were there : So rare is Arts and Natures Strife , Both Pictures seem , and both seem Life . Ep. 111. To Velox . Too long my Epigrams , thou thinkest are ; Thine , who writ'st none , Velox , are shorter far . Ep. 113. On Priscus I stiled thee , Lord , and King , while yet unknown , Plain Priscus , now 's the most that thou canst own . Ep. 118. On Lupercus . As oft as I , Lupercus , thee do meet , With the same Words thou me dost always greet . Thy Epigrams , dear Martial , to me lend , When for them shall my Boy on thee attend ? But to divert me , I shall read them o'er , And speedily again the Book restore . Out of the Road , remote , three Stories high , I , near the Pidg'ons in a Garret lie ; Whither to send your Boy , were him to tire , When nearer you may have , what you desire . In Forum Iulii is your daily Way , Where you will see Atrectus Shop display All Poets Names , your Eye may run them o'er , Inscrib'd , or pasted on his Posts and Dore. My Book , from 's Shelves he 'll hand you at first word , And for three Shillings , bound and gilt afford . The Price Three Shillings ? muttering low , dost say . The Purchase will not , such my Cost , repay . Altho thy sordid Nature I despise , I 'm forc'd to say , Lupercus , thou art Wise. Ep. 119. To the Reader . He who an hundred Epigrams reads o'er , No Ill 's enough for him , if he wants more . LIB . II. Ep. 1. To his Book . THree Hundred Epigrams thou mightst contain , But who , to read so many , can sustain ? Hear what in Praise of Brevity is said . First , less Expence , and Wast of Paper 's made ; The Printer's Labour , next , does sooner end , And to more serious Works he may attend ; Thirdly , to whomsoe'er thou shalt be read , Tho naught , not tedious yet thou canst be said ; Again , in Length , while thou dost not abound , Thou mayst be heard , while yet the Cups go-round . And when this Caution's us'd , alas , I fear , To many , yet , thou wilt too long appear . Ep. 3. To Sextus . Sextus says , Nought he owes , and so I say . He only Owes , who knows which way to Pay. Ep. 5. To Decian . O Decian , may I never happy be , If Night and Day I could not spend with thee : But two long Miles unto thy House do lead , Which are made four , when them I backward tread : Oft thou art not at Home , and oft deny'd ; To thy self vacant , or to Business ty'd . To walk two Miles , to see thee , is not much , But not to see thee , and walk four , I grutch . Ep. 8. To the Reader . If in my Leaves ought , Reader , to thee seem Obscure , or which less Latin thou dost deem . To th' Printer these impute , not me : Who while More Books he hasts to vend , cares not how vile . If yet thou think'st not him , but me to blame , Thou fear'st not Want of Candor to proclaim . But still my Verse , for naught , thou dost decry , As if what 's manifest I would deny . Naught be they then : But them for good Ones take , Till thou dost shew , that thou canst better make . Ep. 10. On Posthumus . That but with half a Lip thou me dost kiss , I like ; and yet can spare the half of this : And wouldst thou unexpressible Kindness show ? Thy Half-kiss keep , or elsewhere it bestow . Ep. 11. To Selius . That such a Cloud you see in Selius Face , Him treading late , alone , a mournful Pace ; His pensive Looks concealing Grief profound , That bows him , till his Nose even rakes the Ground ; Makes him oft beat his Breast , and his Locks tear : No Death of Friends has caus'd this sad Despair , His Wife 's in Health , his Sons are both alive , And longer than he would , like to survive ; By Bayliff , Tenant , he has had no Loss , Nor any Way that 's known , receiv'd a Cross. Why droops he then , and makes so sad a Moan ? Alas ! he , uninvited , Sups at Home , Ep. 12. On Posthumus . Why does thy Breath always of Amber smell ? And without Foreign Scents th' art never well . It justly , Posthumus , may be presum'd , He ever stinks , who ever is perfum'd . Ep. 13. On Sextus . While Sextus did refuse his Debts to pay , Both Judge and Advocate bore Bribes away . Now to discharge all Scores , he makes no stay . Ep. 14. On Selius . Nothing does Selius unattempted leave , When , he 's to sup at home , he does conceive . He trots to th' * Race ; where , Paulus , he will swear , Thy Feet are swifter than Achilles were . Nothing here got , the Place of Votes * he tryes , If Ought will come from the AEsonides . Where failing too ; to th' Memphian * Temple next , Near the sad Heifer , Calves-Head sits perplext . Thence runs to th' Porch a hundred Props sustain , To Pompey's Arch and Groves : Nor does disdain The vulgar Baths , which Gryllus , Lupus , keep , One on the Hill , the other low and deep : Where having bath'd in all , and all in vain , No pity'ng God fav'ring his glutt'nous Pain , Back to the Race he flies , to see , if there Some Friend be yet , taking the Evening Air. Th' adjoyning Porch of various Paintings full , Shews fair Europa bor'n upon a Bull. Iove , I adjure thee , by the Virgn bright , Make forlorn Selius thy * own Guest this Night . Ep. 15. On one that had a sore Mouth . That when th' ast drunk , thou offer'st none thy Glass ▪ Ought not for Pride , but for good Breeding pass . Ep. 16. On Zoilus . Zoilus is sick ; His rich Stuff makes him so : If he were well , what should his Scarlets do ? His Bed from Nile , his Hangings dy'd at Tyre ? He 's sick , we may his Sottish Wealth admire . Dismiss the Doctors , the * Machaons all , To make him well , for my Rug only call . Ep. 20. To Paullus . Poems thou buy'st , and read'st them for thine own . What 's bought , is thine , can be deny'd by none . Ep. 21. On Posthumus . Some thou dost kiss , to some extend thy Hand . Which Grace seek I ? The last I do demand . Ep. 22. On the same . Phoebus farewell , farewell my merry Muse Your Poet who adores ye , ye abuse . Posthume with one Kiss us'd to let me go , Pleas'd with my Verse , now many doth bestow . Ep. 23. On the same . No ; tho' thou begg'st a thousand times to know , Who 't is by Name of Posthumus does go , I will not tell . What need I to offend Such Kisses , and their Fury 'gainst me bend ? Ep. 24. To Candidus . By unjust Verdict wert thou guilty found , To thy Misfortune I 'd be strictly bound . Wert thou condemned thy Native Soyl to leave , Thro' Seas , thro' Rocks , I 'd to the Banish'd cleave . But thy Lot's Wealth : Here shall I also share ? Wilt thou give half ? 'T is much , if ought thou spare . In Suff'ring , I may be admitted One , But happy , Candidus , thou 'lt be Alone . Ep. 25. On Galla. Galla to none makes good , to all says , I , If thou speak'st always False , to me deny . Ep. 26. To Bithynicus . That Nevia coughs , and groans , and finds no Rest , Letting the Slaver fall upon her Breast ; Thou hop'st , Bithynicus , her Hour is nigh : Nevia but flatters , she do'nt mean to Dye . Ep. 27. On Selius , to Rufus . Whether you plead , or any Work recite , Hoping to Supper you will him invite , Selius , your Praises thus like Nets does spread ; `` Nothing can weightier , or more learn'd be said , `` More home , more smart , or yet with greater Grace , `` So would I wish to speak , set in your Place . Such Words alone can make his Flatteries cease , Y 'ave gain'd your Point , for this time hold your Peace . Ep. 29. To Rufus . See'st thou him , Rufus , that does so frequent The Nobles Seat ? from whose bright Gems are sent Rays to this Place , in twice-dipt Purple goes , Or Garments whiter than the driven Snows . Costly Amomum , from whose Locks does flow , Whose sleek blanch'd Arms no Hair upon them show ? The Lunar-Buckles were not his of old , Nor Sandals pinch'd his Feet , garnish'd with Gold. No secret Pain his num'rous Patches need ; Look underneath , and him , a Slave , you 'll read . Ep. 30. On Caius . To borrow of a Friend , I did entreat A Sum , which had he given , had not been great . 'T was one , whose Chests brim-full of unbag'd Cash , Being clapt to , do Eccho with the Lash . But he reply'd , Would'st plead , Enough thou'dst have . Spare Counsel , Caius , give me what I crave . Ep. 31. On Ponticus . With Balbus I 'm at Law , thou nought dar'st do . Licinius next ; but he 's a great Man too . Patrobas oft trespasses on my Feild : He 's Caesars Freeman , 't is best here to yield . Laronia my Servant does deny : She 's rich , old , childless , ev'ry Hour may dye . His Patronage , it little boots , to crave . Who to so many is himself a Slave . Ep. 37. On Cecilianus . Whate'er was serv'd of Souce , thou didst purloin , A young Sow's Unctuous Paps , a Porker's Chine , A fat Heath-Poult , for two design'd a Dish , A Pike , a Mullet , half another Fish , Tame Pigeons dropping Fat , a Hen with Egg , A piece of Lampry , and a Capon 's Leg. All which , sto'd in a Clout , committed were Unto thy Boy , that Home he them should bear . We , in mean Time , the idle Guests do sit , And of a costly Feast scarce taste a bit . If any Shame thou hast , restore our Meat : To Morrow I design'd not thee to treat . Ep. 38. To Linus . What my Farm yields me , dost thou urge to know ? This , that I see not thee , when there I go . Ep. 40 On Tongelinus . That Tongelin is feav'rish many think : I know the Man , he wants choice Meat and Drink . Strait , for fat Thrush and Cocks , Springes are set , For Pike and Carp's imploy'd the Casting-Net ; Purveyance for old Caecubum is made , Such as the sound drink sparing and allay'd ; Bathing , Physicians , with one Voice prescribe . To cure his Feaver , Fools , his Belly bribe . Ep. 41. On an old Woman . Laugh , lovely Maid , laugh oft , if thou art wise . As I remember , Ovid does advise : But this to ev'ry Maid he never said , Or if he did , 't was always to a Maid ; 'T was never spoke to wretched-aged-Thee , To whom remains , of all thy Teeth , but three , And those cole-black : Therefore if this do pass For Truth , inform'd the same by thine own Glass , A Smile thou ought'st t' avoid with no less Dread , Than Gallants fear the Wind for their curl'd Head ; Than painted Madams fear a dashing Shower , Or when Pomatum'd , the Sun 's Raging Pow'r : Rather old Hecuba's sad Mood put on , When Troy was burnt , and all her Glory gon . Mimicks , and Droles , a Laughter-moving Jest , What ever makes thee Gern or Gape , detest . Mourn by your Mother's side , your equal Cross , Your Father's and your pious Brother's Loss ; Your Hours , in what is sad and serious , spend , An Ear to Tragick Stories only lend . The Counsel's good , if to it you can keep . Weep , if you 're prudent , Old Mumps , often weep . Ep. 44. On Sextus . Having some small Commodity to buy , I'th● ' Change ( the Usurer Sextus standing nigh , My old Cam'rade , you know ) lest I should pray To borrow , for Prevention thus does say , Softly Computing with himself , but so As I may hear him . I to Secundus owe Seven thousand , four to Phoebus , eleven more To Philet ; and I Wretch , have not in Store One Doit , should now these Men for Money send : O wond'rous Fetch of an old Canker'd Friend ! 'T is hard , when one is ask'd , not to supply : But harder far , when not ask'd , to deny . Ep. 46. On Nevolus . As various Flow'rs in Spring paint Hyblas Field , Which to the rifling Bees much Honey yield : So do thy various colour'd Garments show , Which thou , heap'd up in Wardrobes , dost bestow . The Woolthou , from more Flocks than one , dost sheer , Would a whole Tribeclothe sumptuously each Year . Thy thin-clad Friend , unmov'd , yet can'st behold ( O Sin ! ) tatter'd , his Sides pierc'd through with Cold. Unhappy Wretch , how little wou'd it be , To givetwo Garments , from Moths , not from thee . Ep. 48. To Rufus . Afford me but the Requisites of Life , Plain Food , and wholesome Air , a pleasing Wife , Not many Books , but such as I shall choose , A Friend not wholly rude , my Thoughts t' unloose , And let my Station in a Village be , All Rome's Magnificence I 'll leave to thee . Ep. 50. On Lesbia . Lesbia talks Baudy , and does Water drink , Thou dost well , Lesbia , so to wash the Sink . Ep. 53. To Maximus . Thou but feign'st , Maximus , thou'dst not be Free : Or if thou wouldst , by these Means thou may'st be . Thou shalt be Free ; if thou at Home canst Dine ; If thou canst quench thy Thirst with common Wine ; If Rich Men thou can'st Miserable deem , And such a thread-bare Coat , as mine , esteem ; If in a cheap and vulgar Form delight , A Room , in which thou scarce can'st stand upright ; If thy Desires , to this Lure , thou canst bring , Thou may'st live Freer than the Parthian King. Ep. 55. To Sextus . Sextus , thou seek'st Observance , when I 'd love ; I shall do that which thou dost most approve : But where I must observe , I cannot Love. Ep. 56. To Gallus . Gallus , thy Wife is taxed for the Vice ( Among the Lybians ) of foul Avarice : But she is wrong'd , and all are Lies they tell , None cheaper does her self both give and sell , Ep. 57. On one that acted the great Man. He , whom you see to walk in so much State , Waving , and slow , with a Majestick Gate ; In Purple clad , passing the Nobles Seat , My Publius not in Garments more compleat ; Whose new rich Coach , with gilt and studded Reins , Fair Boys and Gown-men follow in great Trains , Lately his very Ring in Pawn did lay , For four poor Crowns , his Supper to defray . Ep. 58. On Zoilus . Zoilus , in 's Nappy , scoffs my Thread-bare , Gown , 'T is Thread-bare , Zoilus , but 't is yet my own . Ep. 60. On Hyllus . Y' are o'er-familiar with a Soldiers Wife , While a Boy 's mulct you fear , and not your Life . Woe to thee ! But , you say , Upon what Score ? The Law forbids to castrate any more , Allows it then to make a Wife thy Whore ? Ep. 64. On Taurus . While now to Law , to Rhetorick then thou'lt take , And know'st not what Profession thine to make ; Thou Peleus , Priams , Nestors , Years dost lose , And when thou shouldst give off , art still to Choose . Begin ; if either Heart thou hast , or Skill ; Three Rhetors Chairs are void , one thou may'st fill : Or if the Schools dislike , the pleading-Bars Reek with the Fervor of Litigious Wars ; So much , that Marsya's Statue that is nigh , May Vocal plead , through th' obstrep'rous Cry. Courage , break-off Delays , when shall we see ? Thou wilt Demur , till Nothing thou canst be . Ep. 65. To Saleitanus . Thouseem'st , Saleitane , much to hang thy Head. Have I not Cause ? Thou say'st , my Wife is dead . O heavy Chance ! O sad Decree of Fate ! She , she ! The rich Nicostrata so late Deceas'd , who twenty thousand brought in Dowre ? I wish th'adst never known this Evil Hour . Ep. 67. On Posthumus . Who e'er thee , Posthumus , does chance to meet , Thou say'st , What dost thou ? Thus thou all dost greet Ten times an Hour , if met : by which dost show , That thou thy self but little hast to do . Ep. 68. To Olus . That I salute thee by thy Name , no more Style thee my Lord and King , as heretofore , It is not Pride . My Chains and Cap I have Redeem'd , with all the Badges of a Slave . A Lord and Master he should have alone , Who , not being Master of Himself , does groan , Like great Men , after Riches not his own . Who can , without a Servant , Olus , be , May also from a King , Olus , be free . Ep. 69. On a Smell-Feast . Unwillingly , thou Supp'st abroad . I 'll die , If what thou say'st be not a splendid Lie. In others Treats Apicius did Delight , And , with Regret , at Home did pass the Night . If thou unwilling art , why dost thou go ? Th' art forc'd , thou say'st . All Smell-Feasts are forc'd so . Melior invites thee to a Sumptuous Feast : Where are thy Braggs ? Deny : Now is the Test. Ep. 71. To Cecilianus . There 's none , than thee , more Candid can be said , Who when some Parcels in my Book thou 'ast read , From Marsus or Catullus dost recite The like , to shew how much I better write , Compar'd with them . Thy Good-will's to me known , But would , thou'dst read some Verses of thine own . Ep. 75. On a Lion. A Lion wont his Keeper's Stripes to bear , Into whose Mouth , his Hand , without all Fear , He us'd to thrust , such Tameness he was taught : But suddenly so high his Fury wrought , 'T was 'bove what from the Lybian Clime he brought . For while two Boys did rake the sandy Floor , With Savage Rage he both in Pieces tore , The Theatre like Crime ne'er knew before . Romans may well say , Treacherous Beast forbear ; Of Romulus Wolf young Children learn to spare . Ep. 77. To Cosconius . Thou think'st my Epigrams in length exceed , To grease the Charret-Wheels , to make them speed . Thou' rt only fit : Who Poems Lengths dost rate By the Foot-Rule , not Reason , Wit , and Weight . By the same Law , Colossus , thou mayst call Too long , the Figure of a Child too small . Of Marsus , Pedo , learn what you don't know , Two Pages , on one Subject , they 'd bestow . That is not long , from which thou nought canst take , But , Coscon , thou canst long a Distick make . Ep. 80. On Fannius . When Fannius from his Foe did fly , Himself , with his own Hands , he slew . Who e'er a greater Madness knew ; Life to destroy , for fear to Dye . Ep. 82. On Ponticus . What vails it thee to make thy Slave a Mute ? Of thy foul Crimes much louder's now the Bruit . Ep. 85. To a Friend . A Summer Gift that I in Winter make , In evil part I wou'd not have thee take ; Or , for my Present hold me for a Clown ; But , while 't is Cold , send me a Summer Gown , Ep. 86. To Classicus . That I Acrostick's Glory not to write , In Verses , backwards read , take no Delight ; Make not the Eccho in my Verses play , After the Grecian Poetastring way : Nor yet soft melting Numbers so respect , As more the Chime , than ev'n the Sense t' affect . So bad a Poet , as these ways to take , I am not , Classicus . What Hire would make Lada for Swiftness fam'd , so meanly stoop , To leave the Race , and tumble through a Hoop ? Disgraceful 't is unto a Poet's Name , Difficult Toys to make his highest Aim ; The ●●bours foolish , that does rack the Brains , For Things have nothing in them , but much pains . Let Gallus chant , while the Rout make a Ring : To choicest Ears I only joy to sing . Ep. 88. On Mamercus . Thou wouldst a Poet be , yet nought dost write , Be what thou wilt , so nought thou dost indite . Ep. 89. To Gaurus . In Profuse Drinking , that thy Nights are spent , Gaurus , thou Cato hast for President ; Tully , for barb'rous Verses thou dost write , As if the Muses bore to thee a Spight . Antony , Apicius , Vomitings did use ; Thy horrid Lust no Patron can excuse . Ep. 90. To Quintilianus . Of Giddy Youth , thou Guide of high Renown , Quintilian , Glory of the Roman Gown , That I do haste , tho' Poor , thy Licence give , T' enjoy my Life ; None haste enough to live . Who aim t' encrease their Father's Wealth , to throng Their Courts with Statues , this deferr too long . I only to these easie things aspire , A Spring with Natural Turf , a shining Fire , Servants well fed , a plain unlearned Wife , Nights pass'd away in Sleep , Days without Strife . Ep. 91. To Caesar. Welfare and Glory of the Earth , while thee We safe behold , we Gods believe to be : If my slight Books did e'er thee entertain , And oft to read them , thou didst not disdain : What Nature does deny , do Thou bestow , For Father of three Children make me go . When my Verse takes not , this will be an Ease , A high Reward , in case they thee do please . Ep. 92. To his Wife . He , Father of three Children , me has made , And all my Muses Labours richly paid , Who only cou'd : thee , Wife , I 'll not retain , Least I the Prince's Bounty render vain . LIB . III. Ep. 1. To the Reader . THis third Book , good or bad , what e'er it be , Gallia Togata sends from far to thee . If , reading this , my former thou dost praise , Both yet are mine , that which least claims the Bays ▪ Those must excel , born , Rome , within thy Wall , A Slave of thine , above a free-born Gaul . Ep. 2. To his Book . To whom shall I a Present make thee , Book ? Speedily , for a Patron , round thee look ; Least Cooks , as if waste-Paper or astray , To wrap up Spices ravish thee away . Shall Faustine thee protect , dost say ? Th' art wise , Now , richly bound , Contempt thou mayst dispise ; Twisted with Silk and Gold thy Head-bands show Luxuriously , all gilded over go . For if Faustinus shall approve of thee , No Critick fear , tho Probus self he be . Ep. 3. On an ill Shap'd Woman . Thy Face , that 's fair , thou vailst when thou dost go To Bathe , an ugly Body naked show , Believe the Water Nymph , thee thus does pray , Bath in thy Clothes , or cast thy Vail away . Ep. 4. To his Book Book haste to Rome . Whence com'st thou ? If men say : Reply , From th' Track of the Emilian way . If they demand the City where I dwell : Imola or Cornelii Forum tell . If for what Cause I 'm Absent , they enquire : The Follies of the City me did Tire . If when I do return : A Poet , say , I went ; when on a Fiddle I can play . Ep. 5. To his Book . My Book , while thee to Rome alone I send , Shall I to many Friends , or one , commend ? One's enough , where no Stranger thou'lt be found , Iulius , whose Name my Tongue so oft does sound . The House , once Daphnis , him does Master call , You 'll find him strait in the first Court of all : His Wife will thee into her Bosom Store , Altho , with Highway-Dust , all cover'd o'er , If them together , or apart , you meet , Say only thus , you , Marcus , bids me greet . This is enough . Who Letters brings , offends ; Thinking he Commendations needs to Friends . Ep. 8. On Quintus . Quintus loves Thais . Which ? Thais the blind . As she wants one Eye , he wants both , I find . Ep. 9. On Cinna . Cinna , 't is said , does Verses write 'gainst me . He does not write , whose Verse none cares to see . Ep. 10. On Philomusus . Thy Father knowing thy Luxurious way , Assign'd thee an Allowance for each Day , Such as thy Table might both stint , and serve , That neither thou might'st riot , nor yet starve . But when he dy'd , he left thee Heir of All. What greater Mischeif cou'd to thee befall ? Thy Disinheriting , thou this may'st call . Ep. 11. On Quintus . If she thou lov'st , nor blind , nor Thais be , What makes thee think last Distich writ on thee ? If Lais 't were , and her I 'd Thais nam'd , For such Resemblance I might well be blam'd : But what Similitude do these two bear ? How do Hermione and Thais pair ? But thou art Quintus , and that Name I chuse ▪ Be 't so : I always feigned Names do use . I 'll change the Lover's Name if that please more , Sextus , not Quintus , Thais loves , the Whore. Ep. 12. On Fabullus . Thy Odours , I confess , were last Night rare : But nought to Feast thy Guests thou didst prepare , Of Wit or Folly call'st thou this a Cast ? To give thy Friends Perfumes , and make them fast ? Who are anointed only , and not fed , No treated like the Living are , but Dead . Ep. 13. On Nevia . While Boar to carve , and Mullets thou dost spare , Will 't sooner cut thy Father up , than Hare : But , as if all were crude , thy Cook dost beat , No Crudities they 'll find , whom thou dost treat . Ep. 14. On Tuccius . Starv'd Tuccius from remotest Spain did come , Full of great Hopes , Plenty to find in Rome : But at the very Port being told the hard Duty of Clients , and their lean Reward , He turned straight his Horses Head again , With Switch and Spur posted him back to Spain . Ep. 15. On Codrus . None trusts so much as Codrus , I do find , I' th' Town . How so ? He 's Poor . He loves , tho blind . Ep. 16. On a Cobler . An haughty enrich'd Cobler durst bestow , A most profuse , and princely Fencer's-show : What in his Life he earned by the Awl , At Sword and Buckler-Fight he made fly all . Sure thou wert drunk ; thou couldst not , Cobler , play In any Sober Mood , thy Hide away . Enough of Shows ; now to thy Skins abide : Fear what befel the Ass i' th' Lion's Hide . Ep. 17. On Sabidius . At second Course , where lately I did Dine , Hot Tarts were serv'd , so hot , no Hand but thine , * Mutius , could touch : Sabidius yet , than they , More hot in Appetite , brooking no stay , Blew often on them with his pois'nous Breath , Blasts of worse Stench than Rottenness and Death . After the which , no Man to touch them stirr'd : He cool'd the Tarts , but turn'd them to a T — Ep. 19. On a Boy stung to Death . In a sweet Grove , where many Shapes were made Of Savage Beasts , t' adorn the pleasant Shade , A carved Bear with gaping Jaws did stand , Into whose Mouth young Hylas thrust his Hand ; And , Childish wise , provok'd the Bear to bite . A Viper , lurking in that secret Night , Quicken'd the Stone with more than Natural Rage , And bit the Lad , that fearless did engage . O hainous Fact ! That a dead Bear should do , What one alive could not be wrought unto . Ep. 20. On Canius . Tell me my Muse , how Canius spends his Time In lasting Leaves , and in immortal Rhime , Does he the Facts of Nero rightly state , From Malice and from Flatt'ry free , relate ? Light Elegies , or grave Heroicks write ? I' th' Comick , or the Tragick Strain Delight ? Or in the Poets School does Canius sit , Regaling all with his choice Attick Wit ? Or else , being free from Study , does he talk I' th' Temples , and the Shady Porches walk ? Bathes he ? Or from the City Toyl retir'd , Are Fields and Rivers more by him admir'd , Baias or Lucrins Sweet Recess desir'd ? Muse. How Canius spends his Time , wouldst have me show ? He laughs at all which most Men , serious , do . Ep. 21. On a Cruel Master . A branded Slave unto his proscrib'd Lord , In 's highest Danger , Safety did afford . While thus his Goodness did the Cruel save , Envy with Life unto his Lord he gave . Ep. 25. To Faustus . If thy hot Bath , Faustus , thou seek'st to cure , 'Bove what a Paralitick can endure : Let Orator , Sabinus , enter in Nero's hot Baths , he 'll make a cooling Spring . Ep. 26. On Candidus . Thy pleasant Farm thou dost enjoy alone , Thy Money , Plate , communicates to none . Alone , thou , aged Massick Wine dost drink , Alone thy self both wise and witty think : That all thou hast alone , I yet deny , Thy Wife is Common , or the People ly . Ep. 27. On Gallus . That oft I thee , thou me dost never call To Sup , I could forgive , if none at all Tho didst invite : But , Churle , thou dost afford To other Guests a frequent well-serv'd Board . W' are faulty Both. In what , dost bid me name ? I for the want of Wit , and thou of Shame . Ep. 30. To Gargilianus . Money no more , but Meat the Great bestow , For what thou stay'st at Rome , I fain would know . How wilt thou buy a Gown ? Hire a dark Cell ? Pay for thy Bath ? A Thais keep , canst tell ? Garg . To make a little serve , great Head I 'll give . Mar. Scarce , as things stand , 't is worth the Care to Live. Ep. 31. To Rufus . Thy Land , I yield , seems boundless to the Eye , And near the Town thy pleasant Farms do lye . Numbers of Debtors to thy Lordly Chest , Croutch , with Choice Fare thy gilded Table 's prest : Disdain not , Rufus , yet , all that are poor ; There 's greater Rogues than thou that yet have more . Ep. 32. To Matrinia . Dost ask , if an old Woman I could wed ? An Old I could , Matrinia , not a Dead , As thou art . Even Niobe I could take , And Mother Hecuba a Mistress make : But then before they were transform'd so fur . One to a Stone , the other to a Cur. Ep. 33. What Wife he 'd chuse . A Wife of high Descent I first would wed , For want of such , One Freed should share my Bed , A Slave the last , yet if she Noble be In Form ; I 'd chuse her first , of all the Three . Ep. 34. On Chione , or Madam Snow . Fit and unfit thy Name to thee doth show , For Black and Cold thou art , Snow and not Snow . Ep. 36. On Fabianus . I would not have thee pleat or curl thy Hair , Through slovenly Neglect , nor Elf-locks wear ; Let not thy Skin with Scurf be over run , Nicely to blanch and sleek it , no less shun ; An Eunuch's Chin affect not , smooth and bare , Nor such a horrid Beard as Pris'ners wear ; By a Wise Mean avoid the best you can , To appear less , or yet too much , a Man. But while thy Limbs we rough and brisly find , Effeminate and wanton is thy Mind . Ep. 38. To Sextus . Mart. What Cause , what Confidence , Sextus , does invite Thee unto Rome ? What Hope , what Aim ? Recite . Sext. Than Tully's self more pow'rfully I 'll plead , And none like Me , shall the whole Forum lead . Mart. Caius and Atestinus ( both you know ) Do plead , but pay not a poor House-rent so . Sext. If nothing this way come , I 'll Verses frame , You 'll say , that Virgil did compose the same . Mart. Th' art mad : That cold and tatter'd Crew you see , No less than Ovid's all , and Virgil's be . Sext. Great Men I 'll court . Mart. Scarce two or three do speed That way , the rest are pale , and starve thro' need . Sext. Say , what then ? Counsel to a Friend advance , Men live at Rome . Mart. The Honest do by chance . Ep. 39. On Lycoris . One-ey'd Lycoris Love's more fair than He Kept Flocks on Ida. How the Blind can see ! Ep. 40. On Telesinus . For having lent , forsooth , an hundred pound , From full-cram'd Chests , and Wealth that does abound , Thou think'st that thou much Greatness hast display'd : But that the Grandeur's mine , it may be said : Who being Poor , so great a Sum repay'd . Ep. 42. On Polla . Thou seek'st with Fard to smooth thy wrinkl'd Skin , Bedaub'st thy self , and dost no Lover win . Simple Decays Men easily pass by , But hid , suspect some great Deformity . Ep. 43. On Lentin . False-hair thou wear'st to make thee youthful show , A Swan wer 't yesterday , to day a Crow . Thou cheats not all , Proserpine knows thee Grey , Nor will thy Term of Death one Hour delay , But when it comes , snatch Wig and thee away . Ep. 44. To Ligurinus . That every one , to meet thee , is afraid , And where thou com'st , a Solitude is made . Would'st , Ligurinus , know the Reason why ? Too much a Poet , Men do from thee fly . And this , I tell thee , is a dang'rous Crime , A Scorpion is not fear'd , like ceaseless Rhime ; ●n Adder , in the scorching Sun , fresh sprung , Tyger newly robbed of her young . ●or , Prithee , who such Tediousness can bear ? ●hou read'st to those that sit , that Standing are ; ●o them that Run , to them that are at Stool ; To those are in the Bath , at the Fish Pool ; ●hat here they cannot Swim , nor wash them there ; ●or thee reciting Verses in their Ear. They haste to Sup , the Goers thou dost stay ; who 'd Sup with thee , thou readest them away ; Weary , and Sick , they lay them down to Sleep , Thy Verses rouse them , and then waking keep . Wouldst know what Mischief this to thee has bred ? Thee , a good Man , Learned , Just , all do Dread . Ep. 45. To the same . Whether the Sun Thyestes Table fled , I know not ; but all Men thy Table dread : And yet 't is Sumpt'ous , serv'd with Costly Fare , But what can Relish , thou Reciting there ; Hadst thou no Turbut , were thy Mullets less , Bate Oysters , Mushroms , do but hold thy Peace . Ep. 46. To Candidus . Thou dost exact , that always I attend : Tho' I go not , my Freeman I do send . Thou say'st , That 's not the same . But I think , more When I scarce follow'd , he thy Litter bore . Thou' rt throng'd : His boist'rous Bulk o'erturneth 〈◊〉 My Strength 's ingenuous , and my Force but sma 〈…〉 Causes thou plead'st : I silently stand by , He roars redoubl'd Euge's to the Sky . Thou quarrel'st : Shame forbids loud Speech to 〈◊〉 But he 'll not stick to Spend his Mouth for thee . Cand. There 's nought a Friend then should be called 〈…〉 Mart. Yes , what a Slave , Candidus , cannot do . Ep. 50. On Ligurinus . But for one Cause thou dost thy Friends invite ▪ That thou thy Verses mayst to them recite . We are but set when with the Sallet's brought , A huge vast Tome , full with thy Poems fraught ; A second 's read , while yet the first Course stays , A third and fourth the second Course delays ; Before we rise , a fifth Book we do see ; Wild Boar , so often serv'd , would nauseous be . Thy wicked Verse condemn to wrap-up Fish , ●r when thou supp'st alone , make 'em thy Dish . Ep. 52. To Tongelinus . Thy House was lately , Tongeline , burnt down , Chance too freequent in a Populous Town . ●hrice o'er thy Loss has been repair'd by Friends : ●id'st thou not fire thy House , to get Amends ? Ep. 55. On Gellia . That Shops of Odours seem with thee to go , And rich Perfumes thou dost around thee throw : Think not this much , 't is not thy Natural Smell , A Dog , like thee , embalm'd , would scent as well . Ep. 58. To Bassus , on Faustinus Farm Faustinus Farm , O Bassus ! is not fraught With Idle Myrtles , into Order brought ; There no trim'd Box , or barren Plane Tree's found , To fill a vast unprofitable Ground : But happy 't is in rude and fertile Fields , Which Ceres Gifts in every Corner yield ; There Vessels fragrant smell with Autumn Fruit ; And when November's past , and Time does suit . The rough hew'd Hind late Grapes does homeward bring , While Vallies round with lowing Kine do ring , And Lust , the yet unhorned Herd , does sting . The straggling Cohorts of the sordid Pens I' th' Yards are seen , Cocks treading Rhodian He 〈…〉 Partridges speckled , Peacocks gay and fair , Who in their Trains do seeming Jewels bear ; Phesants , which first from impious Colchos came , The Birds which to Red Feathers owe their Name Streak'd Turkies , Geese loud cackling and shrill , All with their Noise and grateful Numbers fill ; While the Doves greeting from the Tow'rs you he 〈…〉 Sleek Culvers mourning here , soft Turtles there . The greedy Swine pursue the Housewife's Pal 〈…〉 And full bagg'd Ews , th' expecting Lambs ne'er 〈◊〉 Children surround the large Fire shining brigh 〈…〉 Which on the Lares casts a chearful Light. None here to Labour , backward are , and ●oth , None pallid and unhealthy seen through Sloth : But Gins for Birds , and Lines for Fish prepare , Pitch Toyls to catch the light-foot Deer , or Hare . The Orchards plain the merry Maids employ ; Even Boys of the best Rank their Tasks enjoy , Obey the Bayliff , not constrain'd by Fear , But they Delight some Rural-Work to share . The Rustick there brings not a vain Salute , But Gifts his Ave speak , while he is mute : Presents Ambrosian Honey from the Bees , A Dormouse from the Woods , or a Cream-Cheese ; Ta'n from the Shaggy Goats a bleating Kid , Or else a Capon , Venus Sports forbid . The homely Country Maids in Baskets bear Their Mothers Gifts , something that 's choice and rare . And when the Day is past , and his Work done , The welcom Neighbour , a glad Guest , does come , To the frank Board , from which no Meat 's set by , The next day's Scant Provision to supply . Servants , well fed themselves , from Envy free , Grudge not , when they the Guests full gorged see . But , Bassus , thy trim Villa joyns the Town , And for its Paint and Spruceness seeks Renown : No Country useful Sordures thee annoy , But Neat and splendid Want thou dost enjoy : From stately Rooms , fair Laurels strike thy Eye , Which fear not Thieves , were no Priapus by . And when to see thy Farm , thou Time canst find , With City Meal thou feed'st thy Country Hind : And Herbs , Eggs , Apples , Cheese , from Rome dost bear , All which thou ought'st , in reason , to find there . Call not this Toy thy Country House for shame , Let the Remote Forlorne House be its Name . Ep. 60. On Ponticus . When now a Guest , no Hireling , as of yore , Me , the same Cheer , why sets thou not before , Thou dost thy self ? Oysters are serv'd to thee , Fatted in Lucrine Lake , but unto me Muscles , which in Vileness as much excell , That cut my Lips with their accursed Shell ; And while the Choicest Mushroms are thy fare , For me thou poisonous Toadstools dost prepare ; With a large Trout , or Turbut thou dost deal , But I , on Sprats or Pilchards , make my Meal ; A well cram'd Fowl regalios thee again , But me some Carion-thing starv'd in the Pen. When with thee , why not with thee do I eat ? My * Dole is lost , not mended by thy Meat . Ep. 61. On Cinna . What e'er thou begg'st , 'T is Nothing , thou dost cry , If it be Nothing , Nothing I deny . Ep. 62. On Quinctus . That with vast Sums , Boys in their Beauty's prime Thou buy'st , drink'st only Wine of Numas time , Thy Stuff , of dayly Use , did Hundreds cost , Common with thee , but what a Prince might boast . That thy gilt Coach was purchast at the Rate Of a fair House ; One Mule of an Estate . Think'st thou , a larger Mind thou shew'st from hence ? They 're Little Souls delight in Great Expence , Ep. 63. On Cotilus Men , Cotilus , a Gallant do proclaim : But say , who 's he deserves a Gallant 's Name ? A Gallants one can order well his Hair , And scatter round him a perfumed Air , Warble soft Tunes of Italy and France , With various Graces move him in the Dance ; Of Ladies Chat sit Umpier all the Day , And still have something in their Ear to say ; Love-Letters read to one , to others , write ; Whom nought , like Ruffling of his Clothes affright ; Runs to all Feasts , can , who loves whom , arread ; Tell Pedigrees of Horses , and their Breed . Is this , Is this , a Gallant then to be ? A Gallant 's then a Trifling Thing , I see . Ep. 64. On Canius . The Seamen's merry Ruin , killing Joy , The Syrens , who with Melody destroy , That sly Ulysses had the Pow'r to leave , When all besides , with Charms , they did deceive . I wonder not : But this I should admire , From Canius fett'ring Tongue could he retire . Ep. 65. On the Kisses of a fair Maid . As Smells the fragrant Fruit , when bit by thee , The Flowring Grapes first blooming on the Tree , Spring Meadows , when fresh crop'd by Cows they be The Air , rich Saffron Beds , do from them yield ; A Myrtile Grove , Arabian spicy Field ; The Flavour , Musk and Amber chaf'd respire : Sabean Gums , when they make pale the Fire ; The fresh Glebe sprinkl'd with a Sumers Show'r ; Thy Locks when on them thou choice Nard dost pour : So redolent , coy Maid , thy Kisses are ! If freely given , what with them might compare ? Ep. 66. On Mark Anthony . Photin and Anthony like Crimes do stain , Pompey by one , by th' other Tully slain . Tully , Rome's Tongue , deserv'dly might be said ; Pompey , as justly , her triumphant Head. Yet Antony o' th' Two , thy Guilt was more , He sinned on 's Lords , thou sinn'st on thine own Score . Ep. 68. To his modest Matron Reader . To thee , Grave Matron , hitherto my Book I write . Tow'rds whom , dost ask , the rest doth look ? My Self , the Race , the Baths ; retire thou then , We strip , forbear to look on Naked Men. Well-soak'd , Terpsichore weighs not what she says , Niceness , 'mong Cups and Roses down she lays ; And tho' , without Disguise , she plainly names , In broadest Terms , what yearly Roman Dames To Venus offer , cares not who her blames ; 'T is that , I mean , our Hinds in Gardens place , And Maids peep at , with Hands before their Face . If now I know thee , tho' my Book before Tir'd thee , thou'lt eager be to read it o'er . Ep. 69. To Cosconius . That all thy Epigrams thou dost indite In cleanest Terms , not one broad Word dost write , I praise , admire ; how Chast alone thou art ; Such Crimes my Pages shew in ev'ry Part , The which , the waggish Youth and Maids approve , The Older too , who feel the Sting of Love. But yet , I must confess , thy Holy Verse Deserves much more with Children to converse . LIB . IV. Ep. 1. On Caesar's Birth-Day . CAEsars bright Birth-Day's to be honour'd more Than Ioves , on Ida's Top by Rhea bore . May Rome this Days Return more often see , Than aged Nestor , thine was seen by thee . And , than the Present , still more glorious be . May he on Earth ( his Head adorn'd with Gold ) Keep Pallas Feast ; as President behold The Poets and the Rhetors Strife , and Crown With 's mighty Hand the highest in renown . May he the Secular Games , none twice e'er saw , Behold ; be privileg'd beyond Natures Law. Great things I ask , but which from Heaven are due , For such a Prince too much we cannot sue . Ep. 5. To Fabianus . Mar. Poor , and Upright , whose Tongue and Heart agree , What dost Propose , in coming Rome to see ? Canst act the Baud , or boon-Companions Part ? Know'st thou the Criers or Informers Art ? Canst thou debauch the Wife of thy best Friend ? Thy Strength on Lustful Aged Madams spend ; Canst sell Court Air ? Flatter the Upstart Great ? Canus and Glaphyrus i' th' right-way treat ? How , wretch , wilt live ? Fab. By Faith's true Square I 'll go . Mar. Thou dream'st , thou lt ne'er be * Philomelus so . Ep. 8. To Euphemus . The two first Hours o' th' Great consumed are , The third in Lawyers Pleadings at the Bar ; The Trades of Rome the fourth and fifth employ , The sixth some Rest , the seventh all Rest enjoy : From eight to Nine in Exercise is spent , The ninth on Feasting all Men are intent : The Tenth hour's proper for my Book and me . And Euphem thou who dost the Board o'er-see , And order our Great Lords Ambrosian Fare , When Nectar has dissolv'd his publick Care , His mighty Hand the sober Cup does hold , To introduce my Mirth , thou may'st be bold . My Muse forbears licentiously to rove , I' th' Morn , when serious , to importune Iove . Ep. 10. To Faustinus . While yet my Book is new , its Leaves scarce dry , But even the chary'st Touch they fear and fly ; To Faustin , Boy , this little Gift present , He first deserves my Toys shou'd him be sent : But furnish'd with a Sponge be sure to go ; My Book , t is fit , shou'd be attended so . That if my Verse Faustinus cannot tend To Purge , One Blot may all my Failings mend . Ep. 11. On Ant. Saturninus . While thou wert proud to bear Antonio's name , And that of Saturninus didst disclaim ; Thou Arms in Germany 'gainst Caesar bore , As Anthony in Egypt did before . What Fate attends that Name didst thou not fear ? Of his Disgrace at Actium never hear ? Or did the Rhene promise Success to thee , Tho' Nile to him deny'd the Victory ? That famous Anthony , by Rome's Sword , did fall ; Compar'd to thee , who Caesar we might call . Ep. 13. Upon the Marriage of Pudens and Claudia Peregrina . This Day my Pudens to fair Claudia's wed , Swell the Joys , Hymen , of their Nuptial Bed. So Musk with Amber Men do fitly joyn , So Attick Honey mix with Massick Wine , So Elms , embrac'd by Vines , do beauteous stand ; So Reeds do Waters grace ; so Myrtles Land ! Concord , keep all between them ever fair , And equal Love unite the equal Pair ; Let them not find their Flame grows ever Cold , Or think each other , when they are so , Old. Ep. 14. To Silius Italicus . Silius , the Muses Glory and Renown Whose weighty Verse pow'rfully presses down The Punique Falshood , makes their barb'rous Rage Stoop to Rome's Valour , which it durst engage ; Their Elephants , to our Eagles , quit the Field ; Hannibal's Wiles , to Scipio's Honour yield . The time commands thou serious Thoughts lay-by , Now in December that the rattling Die. In ev'ry place does make a loud Report , And the most sage indulge unto the Sport. My Book , deep drench'd in Mirth , thou may'st allow This Month to read with a relaxed Brow. Catullus now may his slight * Sparrow send To mighty Maro , and the Act defend . Ep. 15. To Cecilianus . Ten pound thou begg'dst to borrow th' other Day , Which speedily , thou promis'd , to repay . I had it not ( as civil ) I did say . But thou , by a Friends Visit , much surpriz'd , To borrow of me silver Plate devis'd . Art thou a Fool ? or me dost one suppose ? When ten I would not , fifty Pound I 'd lose : Ep. 18. On a Boy kill'd by an Icicle . At Fountain-gate , whose Stones do always drop , Near to the Porch an hundred Columns prop ; A pond'rous Stream , by Cold , congeal'd to Glass ; Fell on a Lad , as he the Arch did pass : Soon as the Wretch the fatal Blow had felt , The sharpen'd Ice in the warm Wound did melt . What can restrain thee , Death ? Where art not found ? When Water , like a Sword , can cut and wound ? Ep. 20. On Gellia and Cerellia . Cerellia , Young , affects to say , she's Old. Old Gellia , 'mong the Girls , would be enroll'd . What either does , Colinus , canst digest ? The Young One plays the Fool , the Old the Beast . Ep. 21. On Selius . Selius affirms , in Heav'n no Gods there are , And while he thrives , and they their Thunder spare , His daring Tenet to the World seems fair . Ep. 24. On Lycoris . Lycoris Friends are rarely of long Life , I wish she were acquainted with my Wife . Ep. 26. On Posthumus . For not attending on thee a whole Year , What I have lost thereby , Posthumus , hear . Five hundred Pence , at least , upon this Score . 'T is much : a Gown would yet have cost me more . Ep. 27. To Domitian . My Books thou often gracest with thy Praise , Tho' Malice it denies , thou oft givest Bays ; Nor only by thy Words , this Truth is known , But Honours too , which thou , canst give , alone ; Envy to black my Fame , yet goes on still , Caesar give more , till thou the Envious kill . Ep. 29. To Pudens . The Number of my Books does them much Wrong , The Reader 's tir'd and glutted with their Throng ; Scarce things take most , first Fruits please those are nice , Roses in Winter bear the highest Price : Reserv'dness recommends a beauteous Whore , Her opening , not to all that come , her Dore. Perseus One Book 's more celebrated far , Than Marsus bulky Amazonian War. Reading a Book of mine , feign there 's no more ; Thus of my Wit thou 't make the greater Store . Ep. 31. On Hippodamus . That in my Book th' art nam'd , thou'dst have it said , And think'st it there an Honour to be read . May I not live , but grateful 't is to me , And in my Verse , most gladly , `thou should'st ' be ; But that on thee a Name Men did impose , So harsh , that will with no soft Numbers close . Which Phoebus , and the whole Pierian Quire , Could not in Musick sing , should all conspire . Assume some Name more sweetly then that sounds , Hippodamus the Muses all confounds . Ep. 32. On a Bee enclosed in Amber . A Drop of Amber did a Bee enclose Hid from the Touch but to the Eye expose . Thus it deserv'd , and thus desir'd to die , After much Labour so entomb'd to lie . Ep. 33. On Sosibianus . Thou say'st , th' ast Poems by thee of great Worth. Why dost thou not , Sosibian , bring them forth ; Thy Heirs , thou say'st , will cause them to be read , 'T is pity 't is not done , and thy self dead . Ep. 35. On Deer fighting . The tim'rous Deer against themselves make Head , The Fight forsake not , till they both lie Dead : The Dogs look'd on , Huntsmen amaz'd appear , No Prey , Employment found for either here . In softest Breasts what mov'd a Rage so high ? Bulls rush on Bulls , and stoutest Men so die . Ep. 37. On Afer . Coranus does a hundred to me owe ; Mancinus three ; Albinus twice this ; so Sabinus doth ; Serranus Ten ; I know A sixth , ten more : Then from my Lands do come , My Flocks , and City Rents , a vaster Sum. This thou , whole Days , relatest , and I retain With that Exactness , as I do my Name . Say not , to what thy Income does amount , But something tell , which turns to my Account : I cannot hear thee , Gratis , thus excite , Be thy Tales true or false , my needy Appetite . Ep. 39. On Charinus . Charinus , Thou 'st a rare Collection made Of Silver Works , both massy and o'er-laid ; Alone dost Mirons , Scopus pieces show , What Mentor and Praxetiles could do ; Alone dost Phidias noble Gravings vaunt , Alone the true Grantianas dost not want ; Enchased Goblets of Pure Spanish Oar , All double gilt , thy Fathers Table bore . What in these Wonder 's to be wonder'd most , A Penny Current-Coyn thou canst not boast . Ep. 40. On Posthumus . Tho Pisos Stem speaks great Nobility , Seneca shews a threefold ▪ Pedigree , And both their Courts to my Access are free ; Yet my Salutes to thee I first did bring , Poor , and a Knight , but unto me a King : Ten Years , twice told , in Amity we led , One Table serv'd us , and One common Bed. Thou' rt noble now and Rich , canst throw away ; What to our Ancient Friendship wilt thou Pay ? I may expect : but thou hast Nought to say . Grown old a Patron I can't seek , tho' Poor . On me , or Faith , hast thou imposed more ? Ep. 41. On a bad Poet. When thou thy Poems dost recite , for Fear Of catching Cold , Furr 'bout thy Neck dost wear . This fitter were for th' Ears of them that hear . Ep. 42. To Flaccus . If I could such obtain , as I desire , Hear then what Beauty , Flaccus , I admire . One born in Egypt , i' th' first place I 'd chuse ; Such artificial Charms none else do use ; I 'd have her Skin white as the driven Snow , From that swarth Clime the fair do fairest show ; Her Eyes with Stars should vie , her flowing Hair Fall on her Neck , which I to Curls prefer . Her Forehead should be smooth , well shap'd her Nose , Her lovely Lips a Rosie red disclose ; Sometimes I 'd have her kind , and sometimes coy , In no Man's Courtship , but mine own , to joy ; Young Men to hate , even her own Sex to fear , To others Ice , to me a Maid appear . Now , Flaccus , I foreknow , what thou wilt say . Caelia , my Caelia , thou dost here display , Ep. 44 On Vesuvius . Behold Vesuvius green e'er while , and stor'd With Vines which did the noblest Juice afford . Bacchus , this Hill , ▪ bove Nysas did advance , His Satyrs , here , did most delight to dance . Venus no Seat , like this , did hold so dear , The Herculian Fane shon here without a Peer . All now in Cinders lies , and Gods resent The Loss ; their Pow'r , they had to hurt repent . Ep. 49. To Flaccus . Rightly of Epigrams thou dost not deem , ho Toys and Sport , Flaccus dost them esteem . He toys and trifles more , who does declare Thyestes Board , and Tereus impious Fare ; Dedalus fitting waxen Wings to fly ; And Monster Polyphemus with one Eye . All Tragick Themes I banish from my Muse , Nor huffing Buskin-Language do I use . But these , thou say'st , Men praise , admire , adore . Praise these they may , but yet they read mine more . Ep. 53. On a counterfeit Cynick . He who i' th' Temples , you so often meet , In publick Porches , Cosmus , and the street , With Bag and Staff , nasty , and antique dress'd , His Hair an End , Beard hanging down his Breast ; Who for a Cloke , a Coverlet does use , Barkes for his Meat , the Givers of t' abuse ; A Cynick to be thought , does make this Stir ▪ But he no Cynick is . What then ? A Cur. Ep. 54. On Colinus . As thou Colinus to thy high Renown From all Contenders , bor'st the Oaken Crown ; If wife , thy Days in genial Pleasures spend , As if each Day determin'd were thy End. None with the Parcae ever could prevail , Their Lives , one Hour beyond their Time , to bail ; Altho more rich than Crispus ; Thrasea , bold ; Than Melior they a nobler Port did hold ; The Sisters Web unchangeable doth run , And one still cuts , what t' other two have spun . Ep. 56. On Gargilianus . That thou large Presents send'st the Rich and Old , Would'st have it for thy Glory to be told ? There 's none , like thee , deserves a Sordid Fame , Who , thy vile Snares , dar'st gen'rous Presents name . Call too a Hook , by which the Fish are ta'en , A Gift ; the Train by which wild Beasts are slain . What 't is to give , dost thou desire to know ? On me , can nought return , thy Wealth bestow . Ep. 59. On a Viper inclosed in Amber . As 'mong the Poplar Boughs a Viper crawls , The Liquid Gum upon him struggling falls : With Drops alone , while wond'ring , to be held , He straight within the Amber was congeal'd . Then of thy Tomb , proud * Queen think not too high . A Worm far nobler here entomb'd doth lie . Ep. 60. On Death . When Leo rages with the Summers Sun , From pestilential Climates never run ; Since , in the wholesom'st , and the purest Air , The Destines Croatius did not spare . When thy Time 's come , Death from no place is bound , * Sardinia , in the midst of * Tybur's found . Ep. 61. On Mancinus . Two Thousand Pound lately to thee befell , Thou with a fleering vaunting Face didst tell . Scarce four Days pass'd , while thou and I did walk I' th' Poets School , of hundreds thou didst talk In Robes which rich Pompilla to thee sent ; Thou swor'st that Bassa did to thee present A true Sardonix , with it's triple Lines ; And Caelia gave thee two fair Agmarines . I' th' Theatre , as we did hear the Song , More yet thou told'st , that did to thee belong ; Even hasting , and in Motion to depart , Of a late Heirship News thou dist impart . What have thy Friends deserv'd of thee so ill , That them , with Envy , thou delight'st to kill ? If pleasing things to blab , thou canst not hold ; Some Good to us , Ill to thy self , unfold . Ep. 66. On Linus . A country Life , Linus , thou 'ast ever led , More mean , more homely , nothing can be said ; A curtail Gown , on Festivals alone , Thou wor'st , and wor'st but every ten Years one ; Thy Forest , unbought Hare and Boar , did yield , Fat Thrush , thy beaten Woods and neighb'ring Field ; Thy River , Fish afforded , being sought ; Thy Wine was all , from thine own Vineyard , brought : No lovely Boys from Egypt did adorn Thy Board , but rustick , at thine own Farm born : And if thy lust inflamed was with Wine , The foulest Drab thou never didst decline ; No Loss thou hast receiv'd by Sea or Land , By gaming deep , and an unlucky Hand ; When so thou wer 't dispos'd to pass the Day , Nuts thou didst stake , or else with Nuts didst play Say where 's the vast Estate , th' immoderate Sum Thy Mother left ? What is of all become ? All 's gone . 'T is a hard thing that thou hast done . Ep. 67. On a Praetor . Gaurus , in 's Need , did of the Praetor pray A hundred Pound , grown in his Friendship grey : And said , that Sum would give him a just Right To all the Honours of a Roman Knight . But he reply'd : An hundred Pound I use I' th' Race to spend , nor this will me excuse : Ah , shames it not , ingrate thy Friend to slight ! To give a Horse , what thou deny'st a Knight ? Ep. 68. To Sextus . My Mess cost cheap , thine the profusest Sum ; To Sup , not envy , Sextus , I did come . Ep. 69. To Papilus . Pure Massick Wine thou dost not only drink , But giv'st thy Guests : tho some this do not think . Four Wives , 't is said , thy Flaggon caus'd to die ; This I believe not , yet not thirst to try . Ep. 70. On Ammianus . Nought t' Ammianus did his Father leave But a dry Halter . Who can now conceive , His Fathers Life he gladly would revive ; Who wish'd him often Dead , when yet alive ? Ep. 72. To Quintus . To give my Books to thee , thou dost implore : But I have none ; the Bookseller has Store . Thou say'st , none sober will such Trifles buy , Thou art not yet so Mad. No more am I. Ep. 73. On Vestinus . Vestinus drawing now his latest Breath , And ready to resign his Soul to Death , The fatal Sisters he did humbly pray , Of his near End to make a little stay ; That Dead t' Himself , to Others he might Live. Way to such Pious Vows the Fates did give . Then parting his vast Wealth , he left the Light , Seeming now full of Years to take his Flight . Ep. 74. Upon Deer fighting . See how the tim'rous Herd in Fight engage ! How fearful Deer express the fiercest Rage ! Death from themselves they are not seen to fear ! Caesar , set on the Dogs , to save the Deer . Ep. 75. On Nigrina . Thou highest Glory of a Latian Wife , Blest in thy Spouse , blest , Nigrine , in thy Life . Him Master of thy Birth-right thou didst make , Joying , in all thou hadst , he should partake . Evadne perish'd in the Fun'ral Flame , Nor cheaper did Alceste purchase Fame . But thou thy Faith , by surer ways dost prove , And need'st not Death to testify thy Love. Ep. 76. On a niggard Friend Ten pound I begg'd , with half thou didst me speed ; Next time I 'll ask thee , twice what I have need . Ep. 77. On Zoilus . I ne'er begg'd Riches from the Gods before , Well pleas'd with what I had and to be poor : But , Want , now get thee hence , Heav'n grant me Store . Whence comes this sudden new Desire of Pelf ? I 'd fain see envious Zoilus hang himself . Ep. 78. On Varus . Varus , did lately me to Supper call , The Table Sumptuous was , the Supper small ; Loaden it was with weight of Gold , not Meat ; Much to be Seen was serv'd , little to Eat ; Varus , our Mouths , not Eyes , to feast w' are here ; Take hence thy Plate , or fill 't with better Cheer . Ep. 79. On Afer . When thou no less than sixty Years hast told , Thy silver Hairs and wan Face spake thee Old : Yet thou art seen , through all the Town to run Restless , no youthful Offices to shun ; At early Morn thou great Mens Chairs dost meet , And them , with thy Officious Aves greet ; A Tribune comes not forth , but thou attend●st ; Thy Service , unto both the Consuls , lend'st . Ten times a Day thou climb'st the Palace Hill , None but * Sigerios and * Parthenios fill Thy Mouth ; those Fav'rite Names , which while thou vaunt'st Thou think'st , that thou thy self no greatness want'st . This Youth may do : But what so wretched Tool , As a decrepid and Ambitious Fool ? Ep. 80. To Matho . Thou 'ast bought my Farm , where thou wert ever more My Guest . Th' art plainly cheated , on the Score I 'ave sold thee that , which was thine own before . Ep. 81. On Matho . Tho in a Feaver , Matho , thou dost plead : If this not Madness seems , the more thou 'st need Of Hellebore : thou pleadest in a Fit , Hadst thou no other way to sweat , 't were Wit. But Great thou think'st it , feav'rish not to cease : See'st not , 't is greater then to hold thy Peace . Ep. 84. On Nevolus . In prosp'rous State , none 's so ill-natur'd found ; In Adverse , none in Good does more abound ; When thou art safe , Respect , Regard , to none Thou pay'st , none worthy of thy self thou'lt own : But in Distress , to stoop thou canst endure , T' oblige . 'T is pity thou shouldst be secure . Ep. 86. On Ponticus . Thy Cup 's of China , ours of Glass . Why so ? That we thy Sordid Usage may not know , One Glass two Sorts of Wine , would plainly show . Ep. 88. On Bassa . Bassa , a Little Child has ever near , Which she does call her Play-fellow and Dear : For such yet cares not , if you 'll Credit Fame . How then ? She soists , and the Child bears the blame . Ep. 89. On his Country Life . When to my Farm retir'd , how I do live If any ask , this short account I give . The Gods at the first Light , I do adore ; And place this Care , all other Cares before . My Grounds I visit then , and Servants call , And their just Tasks I do impose on all . I Study next , rouse my Poetick Vein , My Body then anoint , and gently strain With some meet Exercise ; exult in Mind At ev'ry Turn , my self both free to find From Crimes and Debts . Last , I bath , sup , laugh , drink , Jest , sing , rest , and on all that passes , think . A little Lamp , the while sends , forth a Ray , Which to my Nightly Studies makes a Day . LIB . V. Ep. 1. To Caesar. WHether i' th' Alban Mount thy Station be , Where thou the Prospect hast , on one side , Sea , Diana's Grove on th' other ; or before , This , if Caietas Bay delight thee more , The Hill nam'd from the Daughter of the Sun , Or where the Anxurs wholesome Streams do run . O Health and Safety of the publick State ! Whose Evils as our own , we deprecate ; And whom , when prosp ▪ rous and we happy see , Grateful we then believe the Gods to be . Receive this little Book , I to thee send , Only a gracious Hand vouchsafe t' extend ; I 'll think thou read'st it , tho' thou cast it by , Pleas`d with a * Gallick , rude Credulity . Ep. 2. To his Readers . To Matrons , Virgins , and unriper Boys , I dedicate these Leaves of chaster Toys ; Those whom obscene , and wanton Verse delight , And Wit , not broadly Bawdy , wholly slight ; My first four Books , for them , I did indite . In this my fifth , so with Rome's Lord I drole , As he may read , and Pallas not controle . Ep. 6. To the Muses . If what I ask , appears to you not great , O Muses ! your Parthenius thus intreat . May thy Old Age come late , and happy End : Caesar be safe , and , to the last , your Friend ; So above Envy may you ever be , Your Son a Scheme of all your Vertues see . As you this tim ▪ rous bashful Book shall grace When in the sacred Presence 't is in place . To you the Princes Gracious Moods are known , When with serenest Looks , and most his own , He shines on all , who to his Throne address , And measures Bounty out to each Distress . Nor apprehend , this trifling gilded Book , Aims at High things , does for great Matters look ; You need not offer 't , hold it in your Hand , As one designing nothing to demand : If the Nine Sisters Patron I do know , Himself will you command the Book to show . Ep. 7. To Vulcan . The Phenix , when a thousand Years expire , Renews a glorious Youth again by Fire : So Rome decay'd through Age , a new does shine , And shews a Countenance , like her Lords , Divine . Digest old Grudges , Vulcan , we do pray , Tho' Mars's Nation , we do also say W' are Venus Off-spring , so may she forget , The Shame thou brought'st her by the Lemnian Net. With beauteous and with patient Arms embrace , Thy limping Carcass , and thy sooty Face . Ep. 8. On Phasis . While Phasis in the Theatre of late , Phasis in Purple shining did dilate On th' Empe'ror's Edict , which each Order grac'd , And ' cording to their Dignity them plac'd . These swelling Words , big with Conceit , he spake . At length we Nobles here our Ease may take , Regard's had of us , and our Seat's set out , W' are neither press'd , nor dirty'd , by the Rout. While , lolling , thus he did the Rout despise , The Lictor bids his Saucy Purple rise . Ep. 9. On Symmachus . I droop'd ; straight Symmachus to me does hie , An hundred Quacks bearing him Company ; An hundred frozen Hands my Pulse did crave , Before I had no Ague , now I have . Ep. 10. On the Fame of Poets . What shall I say's the Cause , that few do give Honour to those , who in their Days do live . ? From too much Envy this proceeds alone , That we Times-past extoll above our own Ingrate Oldmen Catulus Temple praise , And Pompey's simple Porch admire , and raise 'Bove more stupendious Fabricks of these Days . Ennius Men read , when Virgil did survive ; And Homer was despis'd , while yet alive ; The Stage , Menander , seldom Grace did show , But one Corinna , divine Naso , know . My Books then patient be i' th' Desk to lie , There needs no Haste , for Fame , if I must die . Ep. 11. On Stella . My Stella does upon his Fingers wear , Em'ralds and Diamonds , Saphirs , Rubies fair ; Many bright Gems upon his Hands we see , More , and more Radiant , in his Verses be . The brillant Fancies in his Lines which stand , Seem to proceed from his adorned Hand . Ep. 13. On Calistratus . I 'm poor , Calistratus , was ever so , But neither yet , in Fame or Title , low : I through the World am read , to all am shown , The Praise , few Urns receive , my Life has known , But thy Majestick Roofs , which Gold adorn , Are by an hundred stately Columns born ; Thy Chests are cram'd brim-full of unbagg'd Cash , The Lot of Slaves that underwent the Lash ; In Egypt rich Possessions thou dost hold , And shear'st vast Flocks of the choice Gallick Fold . This is thy State and mine : Wealth is thy share , Glory and Poverty my Portions are . But what I am , thou ne'er canst rise to be , When any of the Rout may equal thee . Ep. 14. On Nanneus . Nanneus us'd in the first Rank to sit , While so the sleeping Edict did permit : But , that reviv'd , thrice routed , up he truss't His Camp , and to the lowest Seat was thrust , Ev'n behind Caius , Lucius , straightly pent : Where wrapping up his Head , and there content Illfavour'dly to see , but with one Eye , The Lictor did the Wretch no sooner spy , But thence he chas'd him to the farthest Space , Between the Cells ; were taking up his Place , Half standing , and half leaning 'gainst the End Of the Knight's Form , which did his Stress befriend . Free from Exceptions here on ev'ry Hand , To some he boasts , to sit ; to some , to stand . Ep. 15. To Domitian . This is the fifth Book of my drolling Muse , Yet none complain my Verses them abuse ; But many given they have a noble Name ; Who by my Pen enjoy immortal Fame . What profits this , some say , tho so it be ? If none it profits , yet it pleases me . Ep. 16. To his Reader . When I could serious useful things endite , That I do only , what is pleasant , write , Thou , Reader , art the Cause , who chant'st my Prnise , But weigh'st not at what rate I buy thy Bays . If to the Law I did my Study bend , And sell my Words , the Guilty to defend ; Many a Ship would bring me Wares from Spain , My Lap would sordid be with frequent Gain . Whereas my Book and I , trim Guests , are now At Feasts , and Glory 's all that Men allow . Poets of old such Pay did not content , When bright Alexis was the least was sent . But well , thou cry'st , thou 'st writ , none can it mend . Think'st this enough , to praise me without end . O'erseest my Wants , forbear'st thy Purse to draw . Thou 'lt praise me out of Poetry , to Law. Ep. 18. On Quinctianus . Now in December that the Napkins fly About , Spoons , Candles , Paper , Plums , that I Only my Home-born Books a Present make , For Rude or Covetous thou mayst me take . But , know , I hate the vile insnaring Trade , By which a Gift a baited Hook is made ; Which is not cast , to feed the hungry Fish , But for a Prey to fill the Fisher's Dish . Then , Quinctianus , to his wealthy Friend , A Poor Man's lib'ral , when he nought does send . Ep. 20. To Julius Martialis . If , my dear Martial , 't were allow'd to me , An undisturbed Life to spend with thee ; Our Quiet , to what lik'd us best , to give , And both at leisu●e were truly to live : We'd never know the Pow'rful in the State , Within their Courts , as do their Statues , wait ; At the vexatious Pleading-Bar attend , But all our Time , in Books and Converse spend , Taking in shady Groves or Fields the Air , In Baths , in Feasts , courting some gentle Fair. These , our dear Haunts and Business , should be still , And both our spare and serious Hours should fill . That now we live , alas , we cannot say , Only we find the good Suns post away , And that , tho' lost , imputed is each Day . Can those that know to live , to live delay ? Ep. 22. On Apollonius . Instead of Decimus thou didst Quintus greet , And Macrus name , when thou didst Crassus meet ; What Wonders we to Labour may impute ! Writing , and Conning , thou canst both salute ! Ep. 24. On Hermes . Hermes , the Martial Glory of the Age , Skilful in all the Combats of the Stage ; Hermes , Master of Fence , and Fencer too ; The Cock and Terror of the Sword-men's Crew ; Hermes , whom Helius fears , but fears alone , Avolans yields to , yet to him but one ; Hermes , that knows to conquer without Blows , The Second to himself against all Foes ; Hermes , the Stages Mint , and endless Gain , The Love and Strife of all their Female Train ; Hermes , that proudly shakes the Warlike Spear , And fiercely threat'ning does the Trident bear ; Hermes , when casked for the blind-fold Fight , When mope'd and drooping seems , does then affright ; Hermes engrosses all Men's Gifts in one , And Trismegistus Name deserves alone . Ep. 26. On Cherestratus . Wanting a Knight's Estate , you want the Style ; The Lictor comes : Stand up , void , stay a while . Does any the Degraded Knight call back ? O noble Deed ! Is any Friend not slack , Out of vast Wealth his Title to restore , Not lost by any Vice , but being Poor ? His Gen'rous Name we will commit to Verse , Which all succeding Ages shall rehearse ! Who 's thus resolv'd his better part to save , And not descend Intire into the Grave . And wer 't not nobler so great Wealth bestow , Than on a vain , ambitious , publick Show ? On brass unfeeling Statues it expend , Altho' the Artifice the Charge commend ? O rich in vain ! O Falsly seeming Wise ! Who read , approve , and yet true Fame despise . Ep. 28. On a counterfeit Knight . For Garb , for Parts , all thee wou'd Noble rate , If thou , Plebean , were 't not in Estate . To sit 'mongst Knights 't is not a Grace so high , To make thee pale , whene'er the Lictor's nigh . Ep. 29. On Mamercus . Mamercus good Conceit , or Word , to gain , The best Endeavours , Aulus , are in vain . Excel the Curii in a Pious Fame , 'Bove Nerva , Rufus , get a Courteous Name , In Justice Macrus , Mauricus out-do ; Renowned Regulus and Paulus too For Mirth and Eloquence : Yet all he bites With canker'd Teeth , and to asperse , delights . You judge , perhaps , that Envy 's his Disease . I think , Unhappiness , whom none does please . Ep. 32. On Gellia . When thou present'st me , Gellia , with an Hare , Marcus , thou say'st , 't will make the seven Days fair . If Hare be such a beautifying Meat , Thou ne'er of one in all thy Life didst eat . Ep. 32. On Children Sporting upon the Bulls . See how th' advent'rous Boys insult secure , While the mild Bulls their Weight and Sport endure : One hangs upon a Horn , while others run O'er their broad Backs , skirmish , assault , and shun Each other's Blows : The Bulls , as frozen , stand ; Combat they could not firmer on the Land. The Children , strive for th' Palm , without all fear , The Bulls , alone , solicitous appear . Ep. 33. On Crispus a Glutton . Crispus , one Doit of 's Wealth to none did leave . What came of 't then ? Who did his Land receive ? Alive , to 's Belly , he did all bequeath . Ep. 35. On Erotion . Fronto , * Flaccilla , who the Parents were , Of young Erotion , to your tender Care My Darling I commit ; that no grim Ghost , Or three-mouth'd Dog , that guards the Stygian Coast , The gentle Soul affright ; but six Years old , And those by six days had not fully told . With her old Patron she wou'd sport , and game , When scarce her lisping tongue could speak my name . Now Earth to her a Light interment give , To thee no Burden when she here did live . Ep. 36. On Euclid . While Euclid , clad in Purple , loud did brawl , And near together by the Ears did fall With Lectius , bidding him his Seat to leave . Protesting proudly , that he did receive Two thousand yearly Patrimonial Rent , And more , which his Corinthian Mannor sent ; Produc'd an ancient goodly Pedigree , Deriv'd from Leda , by which , all might see He was in truth a Knight , rich , potent , great : An huge foul Key , the Badge of Slaves , i' th' Heat Unfortunately from his Bosom fell . Did y' e'er , of such a spightful Key , hear tell ? Ep. 38. On Erotion . Than Swans , O sweetest Girl ! thou wer't more white ▪ Than driven Snow , than untouch'd Lillies , bright ▪ Than a Galesian Lamb more soft ; more smooth Than sea-wash'd Shells , th'Elephants pollish'd Tooth ▪ Gems , with thy sparkling Eyes , might not compare ▪ The Baetick Wool rival thy glist'ring Hair ; Nor Germans yellow Locks in Curls up ▪ roll'd , Or radiant Fileings of the burnish'd Gold ; Thy Breath , than Roses , did more fragrant smell , The Virgin Wax , and Amber chaf'd , excel ; The Peacoak , had no Beauty , set by thee , The Phenix self but vulgar seem'd to be . Such my Erotion was at six Years old , Snatch'd hence by Fates , scarce in her Tomb yet cold ; My Joy she was , my whole Delight and Love : Yet Petus , that I mourn , does not approve . He says , unmanly 't is to tare my Hair , My Breast to beat , for a young Slave , tho' fair : He lost a Wife rich , and of high Renown , No Heroine , like her , in all the Town So stately great : Yet he holds up his Head , His whole Content interrs not with the Dead . Of a great Mind , so high a Proof , who gives ? Petus , by 's Loss , has thousands gain'd , yet lives ! Ep. 39. On Calliodorus . Calliador has a Knights Estate all know , The Mischief is , he has a Brother too , Who claims one half , the Fig in twain does split , And on one Horse two Knights are fain to sit . How can thy Brother's Aim and thine agree ? No Pollux hadst thou , thou might'st Castor be ; But being One , as Two , if you take place , A Soloecism's plainly in the Case . Leda's kind Offspring imitate you may , Sit Knights by Turns , not both on the same Day . Ep. 40. On Carinus . 'Bove thirty Wills a Year thou dost subscribe , Oftner I send thee Junkets for a Bribe : I am exhaust , Carinus , pity me , The Bottom of the Chest and Purse I see . Delude no more , make thy Will once , and die , To shew thy Cough was real , not a Lie. Tho I in Wealth , like Croesus , did abound , Than Irus , I should yet be poorer found , Should'st thou , I say not Tarts , daily devour , But of vile Beans and Pompions such a Pow'r . Ep. 41. To Artemidorus . Dost thou admire , when Pallas is thy Saint , That but a sorry Venus thou dost paint ? When rigid Vertue has thy Study been , For wanton Verse wouldst thou the Laurel win ? Ep. 42. What 's given , never perishes . A Thief may force thy Chests , and rob thy Gold ; A Fire thy House may level with the Mold ; A Debtor , Principle and Use , deny ; The Corn that 's sow'd , without an Harvest , die ; A crafty Whore , thy Casheer may surprize ; The Sea o'erwhelm thy precious Merchandize ; But what thou giv'st , no Chance does undergo ; That Wealth is always thine , thou dost bestow . Ep. 45. On Dento What is the Cause ? What new thing 's fallen out ? That Dento oft invited , is so stout ( Beyond Belief ) my Table to refuse ? He , who through all the Portico's did use , The Baths , the Theatres , to hunt me out , Flies , when I call , and will not turn about . The Myst'ry is , h' as found a fatter Treat , Like Dogs , is drawn by strongest Scent of Meat . But soon as known , the Great , he will disgust ; Then for my Scraps he 'll leap , and for a Crust . Ep. 48. On Philo. Thou say'st , thou never Supp'st at Home . T is right , That is , thou fast'st , when none does thee invite . Ep. 50. On Rufus . He whose left Arm , loaden with Books , you see , And throng ▪ d with busie Clerks to that Degree ; Whose Face compos'd attentively does hear Causes and Suits pour'd in at either Ear , Most like a Cato , Tully , or a Brute , If put upon the Rack , could not salute In Latin , Ave , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek : And if thou doubt the Truth , let 's to him speak . Ep. 52. To Labienus . I saw thee lately sitting all alone , And , that thou hadst been Three , I durst have sworn , Thy seeming num'rous Heads so me deceiv'd , Thy Pate here lock'd , and there of Hair bereav'd ; Not with Love-Locks , which beaut'ous Boys do wear , But some Parts tufted were , much broader bare . Thy various Baldness stood thee late in stead , When Caesar dol'd the People Meat and Bread ; For thou bor'st Home what did belong to Three ▪ The fam'd Gerion sure was such as Thee . * Philippus Portico , I advise thee flie : If Hercules spy thee , thou art sure to die . Ep. 53. On Posthumus . Thy Gifts I bear in Mind , and ever will. Why don't I speak them then ? 'Cause thou dost still : I can to none relate them , but they say , He told us all himself the other Day . Some things are ne'er done well by two : If I Must celebrate thy Deeds , make Thou no cry . Should'st , Posthumus , the vastest Gifts bestow , Thy after boasting would them all o'erthrow . Ep. 54. To Bassus . Why dost thou , Bassus , of Thyestes write ? Niobe's Tears , or of Medea's Flight ? A fitter Subject of thy Verse by far , Phaeton's burning , or the Deluge , were . Ep. 55. On Apollonius . Extemporist thou' rt now , and of Renown , Calpurnius canst salute , not writing down . Ep. 57. On Cinna . Thou Lord and Master call'd , thy self dost prize , Slaves I oft term so , when I them chastise . Ep. 58. To Posthumus . To Morrow Still , to Morrow , thou dost say , That thou wilt live . When will arrive the Day ? How far 's this Morrow off ? Or where ? Canst tell ? With Parthians or Armenians does it dwell ? Old Nestor's Years it has already told ; Say , May we purchase it for any Gold ? Thou 'lt live to Morrow : 'T is too late to day . He , Posthumus , was wise , liv'd Yesterday . Ep. 60. To Stella . That I , nor Gold nor Silver , to thee send , I this forbear , for thy sake , learned Friend . Who gives Great Gifts , expects Great Gifts again , My Cheap Ones to return will cause no Pain . Ep. 61. On a Detractor . Altho' thou bark'st at me yet more and more , And such thy Currish Snarlings ne'er giv'st o'er , Decreed it is , thou never shalt acquire The Fame , to which thou dost so much aspire , Within my Books , tho ill , but to be read : That once thou wer 't , why should it e'er be said ; No , Wretch , thy Fate it is , to Die unknown . And yet , perhaps , there may be found some one Or two , or more , about the Town , who may In thy Dog's Hide fasten their Teeth , and bay . But from such base Engagements I 'll contain ; My Nails , to Scratch thy Mange , does much disdain ▪ Ep. 62. On Marianus . Who is this Crispus , I so often see Close to thy Wife ? This Crispus , who is he ? He leans his Elbow nicely on her Chair , And always wispers something in her Ear , His slender Fingers many Jewels grace , Not all his Body for one Hair has place . Wilt thou not answer me ? Thou say'st , 't is he Does thy Wife's Buisness , and such must be free . In sooth , a sober Man , of a sage Mien , The grave Solicitor in his Face is seen ; * Chius Aufidius look'd not more Austere . To be the sport of Mimicks , dost not fear ? Deserve to be the Fable of the Stage ; The noted Wit-all of the present Age ? He thy Wife's Business do ? That Thing so fine ? He does not thy Wife's Business , but does thine . Ep. 63. To Ponticus . How I thy Book , Ponticus , do approve , To say , thou anxiously dost often move . Amaz'd , astonish'd , nought I read so rare ! The best of Wits cannot with thee compare ! Pon. Caesar and Jove propitious to thee be , As thus thou think'st . Mart. Or rather unto thee . Ep. 64. To his Waiters . Pour lusty Wine , Catistus , fill it up ; With Summer Snow , Alcime , dilute the Cup ; Let my locks drop , with rich Amomum spread , And with a Wreath of Roses crown my Head. I 'm bid to live , by Caesar's Tomb that 's nigh , While it proclaim 's , the Gods themselves do die . Ep. 69. On Mark Anthony . So black , Mark Anthony , so foul's thy Name , That , ev'n Photinus Guilt , thou dar'st not blame : In Tully's Gore alone more deeply dy'd , Than all the Sea of Blood thou shedd'st beside . How durst thou , Mad-man , sheath thy impious Blade In Rome's own Throat ? In Tully's Life invade The Commonwealths ? A Crime , that put a stand To Cat'lin's Soul , and damp'd his daring Hand . Thou Hir'dst a Villain with accursed Gold , To gagg the Tongue that did thy Life unfold ; What boots it thee , to silence , at such Price , One divine Tongue ? Think'st so to hide thy Vice ? For Vertue now , and Murder'd Tully's sake , All Tongues inveigh , and all Philippicks make . Ep. 70. On Syriscus , a Slave . In rambling only through base Booths and Huts , Vile Tap-Houses , and Cellars among Sluts , Syriscus full five hundred Pound made fly , ( His Lord 's vain Gift ) i' th' twinckling of an Eye . Strange Luxury , to consume all this deal , Nor sitting for 't the Time allow'd a Meal ! Ep. 73. To Theodorus . That I may Books do not to thee impart , Altho thou su'st , and Instant for them art , Dost wonder ? For good Cause I this decline , For fear , lest , Theodore , thou give me thine . Ep. 74. On Pompey , and his Sons . Europe , and Asia , Pompey's Sons intomb ; Africk , himself , if he finds any Room . No wonder , thus the World they Quarter , slain ▪ What Soil so great a Ruin could contain ? Ep. 77. On Cinna . By th' often Use of Poison he did make , The Pontick King , unhurt , could Poison take , And , Cinna , thou , by eating ill , tak'st care , Neither to die by scant , or evil , Fare . Ep. 79. On Zoilus . I' th' Meal ten times thou from the Board dost range And ev'ry time thou dost thy Vestment change , For fear , lest , Sweating , harm thy Body get , Between the Air , and Garments that are wet . Why sweat not I , who Sup with thee , thou Fool ? Who has no Change of Clothes , is strangely cool . Ep. 81. To Emilianus . If thou art Poor , thou shalt be ever so . The Rich do only on the Rich bestow . LIB . VI. Ep. 1. To Julius Martialis . THis my sixth Book , Iulius , to thee I send , Dear 'mong the first , and my judicious Friend ▪ If it shall pass approv'd thy learned Ear , When 't is in Caesar's Hand , I less shall fear . Ep. 4. To Domitian . Censor of Manners is thy Glory more , Than Prince of Princes which thou had'st before . Tho' for so many Triumphs Rome does owe , Which , thy Heroick Valour did bestow , So many Temples new , so many old , So many Shows , and Gods by thee enroll'd , So many Cities won , or else laid Waste ; Yet more she owes , that thou hast made her * Chast. Ep. 5. To Cecilianus . I lately purchas'd have a Piece of Ground . Cecilian , lend me , pray , a hundred Pound . Dost say , I ne'er will pay ? And thereon pause ? To speak the Truth , I borrow for that cause . Ep. 7. On Thelesina . Since the Law 'gainst Adultery took place , And all are forced Chastity t' embrace : In less than thirty Days , thou hast been wed Ten times , ten Men admitted to thy Bed. Who weds so oft , not weds , but plays the Whore : And than Adultery offendeth more . Ep. 8. To Severus . No less than Pretors two , and Tribunes four , Seven Advocates , and Poets half a Score , Were Sutors lately to a certain Maid ; Her Father of them all small Reck'ning made , But on a Crier did the Girl bestow . Wherein he play'd the Fool , I do not know . Ep. 10. To Domitian . I late of Iove a Thousand Crowns did crave , He 'll giv 't , says he , who me a Temple gave . That he , 't is true , a Temple gave to thee , But yet no thousand Crowns bestows on me . I backward was our Iove this way t' engage : But how serene ! How free from cloudy Rage He read my Suit ! With such a placid Brow , To conquer'd Kings their Crowns he does allow ; And from the Capitol returns and goes . O Virgin ! Who alone our great Lord knows ; If with such Looks , he does our Sutes reject , Say , with what Mien he does them then accept . I pray'd . Pallas ( her Shield revers'd ) reply'd : What is not giv'n yet , thinkst thou Fool , deny'd ? Ep. 11. On Marcus. Thou wonder'st , Friendship now 's no more renown'd , That no Orestes , Pylades , are found ! Pylades ever , Marcus drank o' th' same , Nor fatter Thrushes to Orestes came ; Each , better than himself , did th' other treat , No diff'rence made in Beverage , or in Meat . On Lucrine Oysters thou dost gormondize , While flashy of Peloris me suffice : And yet my Palat's as refin'd as thine , As skild in the best Meats , and noblest Wine . Rich Tyrian Wool , to make thy Garment's , sought , But mine the coursest which from Gallia's brought : Would'st have me love thee in a Purple Gown , While I am clad like some poor rustick Clown ? If you expect I Pylades should be , Orestes you must shew your self to me . Friendship by Deeds , not Words , must be approv'd , The Man must Love , that seeks to be Belov'd . Ep. 13. On the Statue of Julia. Who would not think this Peice by Phidias wrought ? Or to Perfection by Minerva brought ? The Snow white Marble seemeth even to speak , Such Life and Grace does from the Count'nance break It sporting holds Loves Girdle in its Hand , And 'bove the God of Love does Love command . When Venus would in Mars lost Flames renew , Here for the charming Cestus she must Sue . Ep. 14. On Laberius . Thou canst write exc'llent Verse , as thou dost say , Why then to write , Laberius , dost delay ? Who can do ought that 's excellent , and with-hold , Among the greatest Men may be enroll'd . Ep. 15. On an Emmet . Under a Poplar while an Emmet goes , An Amber Drop did the small Beast enclose . Thus that which worthless was while it did live . It 's Funeral now doth a high Value give . Ep. 17. On Cinnamus . thou 'dst be call'd Cinna , Cinnamus is thy Name Such barb'rous Practice many would defame . To be nam'd Theseus , say it thee befell , And Men should call thee Thief , wou'd'st take it well ▪ Ep. 18. On Solinus . Solinus sacred Reliques rest in Spain , Few Ghosts so noble 'mong the Dead remain . 'T were Sin to mourn for him , that 's yet alive , Whose Body 's dead , but Glory does survive . Ep. 19. To his Advocate . Of Murder , Poison , War , th' ast nought to say , But of three Goats , my Neighbour stole away ; The Judge requires , I this should make appear ; To th' Pontick War thou mak'st Excursions here , Canna's Fight , Punick Falshood ; thou , with might Of Hand and Voice , dost roaring out recite Of Syllas , Marius , Mutius , various Story . Speak now to three Goats , lost in so much Glory . Ep. 20. To Phoebus . Thou saying oft , Wil 't nought of me command ? To borrow a small Sum I did demand . But then thou humm'st , demurr'dst , thy self and me With long Doubts vext . I nothing ask , th' art free . Ep. 22. On Proculina . That Proculina's marry'd to her Knave , And will her Gallant , for her Husband , have , Fearing the Iulian Law : She does not wed , But now proclaims what Life before she led . Ep. 24. On Charisianus . Charisianus's vainer far than all the Town . When others Ma●querade , he 's seen in 's Gown ▪ Ep. 25. To Marcellinus . Thou gen'rous Offspring of a Noble Race , Bold Marcellinus , who now holds the Place , Where horrid Winter wars , no less than Foes ; Accept the Vows thy Father's Friend bestows . Thy Courage still , be prudent ; Brav'ry , wise ; Who on affected Danger runs , despise : Delight in Wounds , only in Fools take place ; Be thou thy Countrey 's Bulwark , and her Grace . Ep. 28. An Epitaph on Glaucia . Melior's Free-man far renown'd , Who dying Rome in Sorrow drown'd , The short Delight of 's Patron dear , Glaucia beneath this Marble here , Near the Flaminian way's interr'd . Tho' from Chast Laws he never err'd , A modest Blush his Face o'erspread . Quick of Wit , of wonderous Grace , Scarce thirteen Years in him took place . Who mourn'st such sad untimely Loss , May'st never weep for thine own Cross. Ep. 29. On the same . None of the abject , prostrate , Crew , Which greedy Bauds in Cages mew , But fix'd all Vices far above , And worthy of an Honest Love. When not yet sensible to know , What Boon his Patron did bestow , Glaucia was Melior's Freeman made , To his Endowments this was paid . For who more charming , who more fair ? More with Apollo might compare ? The Graces which in him did dwell , Did those o' th' youthfull God excel . Immod'rate Virtue , 't is thy Doom , But seldom to Old Age to come . To prevent Sorrow's sharp Disease , Pray nought thou lov'st may too much please . Ep. 30. On Petus . If when ten Pound you promis'd , you had paid , And giv'n it home with me , and not delay'd , I had your Debtor for an Hundred been : But Petus , sending it , so tardy in , After seven Months , I guess , or nine Months time , I know not which to call 't , a Gift , or Crime . Shall I what 's truer , even than Truth , expound , Instead of giving , thou hast lost , ten Pound . Ep. 31. On Charidemus . Oft with thy Wife does the Physician lye , Thou knowing , Charidem , and standing by . I see , thou wilt not of a Feaver dye . Ep. 32. On the Death of Otho . When yet the chance of War did doubtful stand , And Otho might have had the upper Hand ; War he renounc'd , maintain'd by Seas of Blood , And with his own , restrain'd the Publick Flood . Tho Cato's Life , than Caesar's , greater were ; Otho , in 's Death , exceeded Cato far . Ep. 39. On Cinna . Of thy Marulla's sevenfold Births , not one , Cinna , is thine , or yet a free-born Son : For not thy self , thy Neighbour , or thy Friend , To their begetting can at all pretend : But their Dams Stealths are shewn by ev'ry Head , To be the Work o' th' Straw , and Trundle-Bed . He , who , Moor-like , with woolly Hair we see , Of the Cook Santer does confess to be . But he with strutting Lips , and a flat Nose , The Image of the Wrestler does disclose , Pannicus . The third , who 's ignorant to be The Baker Dama's , who does Dama see , And know a bleer Eye ? The fourth , fair to sight , Shewing a wanton Brow , thy Catamite Lygdus begot . He with a Copped Crown , And Ears , like Asses , bangling up and down , Who can deny to Gyrrah , the Buffoon ? Two Girls , of Fox this , that of Blackbird Hue , Their Sires , the Piper Crote , and Carpus shew The Hinde . Compleat were now thy Mungrel Race , Could thy two Eunuchs gen'rate , as embrace . Ep. 41. On a Hoarse Poet. Verse to recite , tho Hoarse , thou do'st not cease : Which shews that thou canst speak , not hold thy Peace . Ep. 50. On Thelesinus . When Thelesinus did Observance pay To honest Men , he went in poor Aray : But when to Pimp he did himself apply , Houses and Land , he had wherewith , to buy . Wouldst thou be Rich ? Be Factor to some Sin : Honest Employment brings but little in . Ep. 55. On Coracinus . Of richest Spices thou do'st ever scent , Nor is the Phoenix Nest more redolent . Despisest us , who don't in Sweets excel : Of nought 'tis better , than of Odours smell . Ep. 59. On Baccara . Thy Chests , such store of Winter-garments , hold , Thou griev'st , and oft complain'st , for want of Cold ; Wishest dark Days and short , sharp Winds , and Snow , And hates the Season , if it milder grow . Didst thou the worse for my thin Gown e'er fare , Borne from my Back by ev'ry puff of Air ? How much more Humane , more Sincere , 't were done , Should'st thou in August Winter-Clothes put on ? Ep. 60. On Pompillus . Peop. Pompillus Name is up , his Work is done , His Fame throughout the Universe doth run . Mart. So may our German Foes successful be , And all , O Italy ! that love not thee . Peop. Pompillus Lines , for Wit , yet have the Name . Mart. But trust me , that is not enough for Fame . How many witty , learned , Books do come To serve the Kitchen , and to feed the Worm ? 'T is something else Eternity does give , 'T is not the Wit , but * Genius , makes Books live . Ep. 62. On an Envious Person . Rome hugs my Verse , and cries it up for Rare , My Books each Hand and ev'ry Bosom bear ; There 's one yet lowres , disdains , is ill at Ease : I 'm glad ; my Verses now my self do please . Ep. 63. To Marianus . You know y' are flatter'd , know the greedy Knave , You know what 't is such Flatterers would have : And yet you write him Heir in your Last Deed , And will , that he , in all you have , succeed . What tho he sends great Gifts ? 'T is with an Hook ; And do the Fish the Angler ever brook ? Will this Man mourn , when thou no more shalt live ? Wouldst have him Mourn ? Then nothing to him give . Ep. 64. On a Detractor . When sprung of Fabius Race you no way are , Nor Curius , who himself to 's Plow-men bare Their Dinner ; whose rough Wife her Child-bed made , Under the Covert of an Oak's thick shade : But of a Father born , trimm'd by a Glass , A Mother , for a Courtesan , does pass ; And so effeminate you your self withall , Your Wife , tho nice she be , you Wife may call . For you to dare my much-fam'd Verse detract ! The Momus , on my approv'd Toys , to act ! My Toys , I say , all Rome attentive hear , To which both Learn'd and Noble lend an Ear ; Which deathless Silius with Regard does treat ; And Regulus fluent Tongue deigns to repeat ; Which to revolve , Caesar a time does spare , Amidst the weight of all the Publick Care. But you know more , your wise discerning Heart Pallas has fram'd by the Athenian Art. May I not live , if th' Heart and Paunch we meet The Garbage , Guts , and the great dangling Feet , Which loaded Butchers carry through the Street , With no small Terror unto ev'ry Nose , Do not a sharper Wit than thine disclose . Yet , with the waste of Paper , against me Verses you write , such as none read , or see : But if my chafed Choler thee shall brand , The Work will live , be read in ev'ry Land ; 'T is not thy Barber's Soap can cleanse the Stain . Take heed the Outrage be not thine own Bane , To urge a living Bear , cease to presume , Until his Rage forth at his Nostrils fume . Tho calm , he 'll lick the Hand , and Strokings bear ; Rous'd and provok'd , you 'll find him still a Bear. Thy Teeth then fasten in some empty Hide , Or Beast that 's dead , and will the Wrong abide . Ep. 66. On a Cryer and a Wench . Gellian , the Cryer , sought a Wench to sell , Of their Repute , who in * Saburra dwell . And when he saw his Chapmen offer low Her Modesty to praise , and better show , He near him pull'd the struggling Wench and nice , And forceably did Kiss her twice or thrice . D' ye ask , what such his Kisses did avail ? They cut off half was offer'd for her Sale. Ep. 70. On Cotta . Cotta has pass'd his threescore Years and two , And ne'er remembers that he had to do With Sickness , or yet once laid down his Head ; For a Distemper felt a tedious Bed : But at Physicians he durst point with Scorn , At * Dasius and * Alcontus make a Horn. If , like wise Men , we do our Years compute , Raze or substract the Days that did not suit With happy Life , such as in Pain are spent , Gouts , Feavers sharp , and the Mind's Discontent . We should but Children be , that Aged seem , And hugely they 're impos'd upon , who do deem , Priam and Nestor many Years have told : Not who live long , but happily , are Old. Ep. 72. On Telethusa . When Telethusa had been taught t' express To th' Timbrel each lascivious Address ; The high Levalto , brisk Morisco dance , Whatever Wanton Baetis does advance ; Able Old Pelias , to Loves Sports to draw , His Strength renew , and frozen Palsie thaw ; To make sad Priam know a loose Desire , Even while he wep't at Hector's Fun'ral Fire . Her Lord , who sold her lately for a Slave , By these her Charms besotted so does rave , That all he 'll give , his Mistress , her to have . Ep. 77. On Afrus . When poorer yet than Irus thou art deem'd , Than Parthenopaeus younger much esteem'd , Stronger than Wrestlers in their Prime and Might , Why to be borne by Six dost thou delight ? 'T were a less Jest , shouldst thou in Publick go Naked , a-foot , than with this Pageant Show . The State thou tak'st does more absurd appear , Than if six Slaves , a seventh , in Pomp should bear ; A Moor upon an Elephant of like hue , Would move less Laughter 'mong the Vulgar Crew ; So on a Mule as little as himself , Mounted , we see , some Pigmy little Elf. Wouldst know what Scorn thy Pride to thee has bred ? Men grudge that six should bear thee , wert thou dead . Ep. 78. On Phrix . Phrix , a stout Drinker , who no Goblet fear'd , Tho one Eye he had lost , and t'other bleer'd : Who ( when Physicians bid of Wine beware , And threaten'd Blindness , if he had not Care , ) Deriding , said , Farewel my other Eye ; And ten large Cups bid fill him by and by , And more than once . Wouldst know the end o' th' Prank ? Phrix soak'd good Wine , but his Eye Poison drank . Ep. 79. To Lupus . Th' art Rich and Sad ; take heed lest Fortune see , And , as Ungrateful , do proceed with thee . Ep. 80. On Winter Roses . Egypt did proudly Winter Roses boast , As the sole Product of her fertile Coast : But now at Rome her Merchants are surpriz'd , To see such Store , the Memphian are despis'd : Where e'er they look , where e'er they take their way Hedges of blushing Roses do display . So does this Glory of the Spring excel , Not Pestan Rosaries more fragrant smell Even Goddess Flora seems in Rome to dwell . Let not thy Winters , Nile , then vie with ours , Go plow , and send us Corn , we 'll send thee Flow'rs . Ep. 82. To Rufus . One , very strictly , me of late did eye , As those that Slaves or Fencers use to buy : And when he had survey'd me o'er and o'er With Eye and Finger too , behind , before . Art thou , art thou , ( says then astonish'd he ) The famous Merry Martial , that I see ? Whose Wit not only duller Climes admire , But those , who to the noblest Arts aspire ? I , blushing , smil'd ; and , with a light Assent , Did not deny , I was the Man he meant . How com'st thou then , says he , so meanly Clad ? I did reply , Because my Verse are Bad. Lest , Rufus , oft I 'm drove to say the same , Send Garments , suit not with my State , but Fame . Ep. 84. On Philippus . Philip , in Health , eight Men to bear him had . Who thinks him in good Health , himself is Mad. Ep. 93. On Thais . Thais stinks worse than a stale Fuller's Vat New broken in the way ; than a dead Rat ; A Lion's Mouth ; a Rutting Goat's less Rank , A Carr'on Dog cast upon Tiber's Bank ; A putrid Chick that 's addl'd in the Egg , Stale pickled Fish corrupted in the Kegg . But then the Drab ( her Hautgout to disguise , When to the Bath she goes , ) deals in this wise ; Her self she husks under thick Pastes , and guards With Oyls , thrice and four times repeated Fards . But when she , by these Arts , hopes all is well , Predominant Thais does of Thais smell . LIB . VII . Ep. 1. To Domitian . CAEsar thy dread Palladian Breast-plate wear , Which even the Gorgon seems it self to fear : When on thee buckled , all the AEgis know ; But when unarm'd , it doth plain Armour show . Ep. 4. To Caesar. If with thee , Caesar , the Desires take place Of People , Senate , all the Roman Race : Thy Presence graciously to them afford , At their impatient Suit , return their Lord. Rome her Foes envies , that they Thee detain , Tho many Laurels she thereby doth gain ; That barb'rous Nations see her Prince so near , Enjoy that Face , which they do so much fear . Ep. 8. On Cascelius . If thou at Sixty but Ingenious be , When shall we thee , Cascelius , Learned see ? Ep. 11. To Faustinus . May Caesar still with the same gracious Ear , And serene Brow , my Sportive Verses hear , As they wrong none , not those I justly hate ; As Fame I love not at the odious rate Of others Blushes . But what does 't avail ? If in Blood-fetching Lines others do rail , And vomit Vip'rous Poison in my Name ; Such as the Sun , themselves , to own , do shame ? Who know me , know , my Verses harmless are : And by the Muses sacred Quire I swear , By th' Genius of my prevailing Fame , By thy Ears , candid Reader , and thy Name , Which hold the place of Deities to me , From all Malignant Envy I am free . Ep. 18. On a Fragment of the Ship Argus . This piece thou see'st of rotten useless Wood , Was the first Ship that ever plow'd the Flood : Which not the Billows of Cyanean Seas Of old could wreck , or Scythian worse than these . Age conquer'd it ; but in Time's Gulf thus drown'd , One Plank's more Sacred , than the Vessel sound . Ep. 24. On a soft Poet. When all the Epigrams are sweet , you write , More candid , than a Face that 's painted white ; No grain of Salt throughout them all is seen , Or drop of Gall ? Fool , to be read , dost mean ? The choicest Meat wo'nt down without all Sauce , Nor finds the Face , that has no Mole , applause . To Children give Fruits , that are luscious sweet , For Men , what 's quick and poinant's only meet . Ep. 26. To Dexter , on a Wild Boar he sent him . A huge unweildy Boar with much Mast fed , That had laid waste the Fields where he was bred , A Monster , like to that Meleager slew , In 's Blood , bold Dexter did his Spear embrew . Th'Invidious Prey before my Fire doth lye , And with its chearful Steam , my Lares by Bedews : While of much kindled Wood the Light My Kitchen makes all Festival and bright . The ranting Cook demands a pow'r of Spice , Choice Wines for Pickle , of the highest Price . Back to thy Lord return , thou blust'ring Boar , My Range , to entertain thee , is too poor . Dreadful alive , Destructive even when slain , No less the Treaters , than the Huntsman's , Bain . Mean Food , and scant , I rather choose to bear , Than such Confounding , tho'Voluptuous , Fare . Ep. 30. To Regulus . The Chian Figs , the Eggs , and Laying Hens , The hoarse-voic'd Fowl , fat Prisoners of the Pens , The shaggy Kid , the Dam lamented , lost , Olives preserv'd from Injury of Frost ; The hoary Herbs bearing the Morning Dew , In my own Farm , thou think'st , all bred , or grew . A pompous Error ; there is no such store , But a starv'd Owner nought it ever bore . Whate'er thy Umbrian Hinde to thee does bring , Or in thy Tusculan or Tuscan Spring , Markets afford , all I on Friends bestow , Suburra's the rich Soil in which they grow . Ep. 32. On Cinna . When in a sordid Gown thou lov'st to go , But shews as white , as the new fallen Snow ; Why 'bout thy Feet , thy Gown to wear , dost use ? Fool , tuck it up , or it will foul thy Shooes . Ep. 3● . To Stella . When my craz'd House Heav'ns Show'rs cou'd not sustain , But floated with vast Deluges of Rain ; Thou shingles , Stella , seasonably didst send , Which from th' impetuous Storms did me defend : Now fierce loud sounding Boreas , Rocks does cleave , Dost clothe the Farm , and Farmer naked leave ? Ep. 38. On Caelius . Caelius , impatient longer to abide The Morning Aves , and the Great Mens Pride , From vagrant Jants , and dirty toilsom Pain , To free himself , began the Gout to feign ; Which while too much he sought , shou'd true appear , And swath'd his Feet , and did with Oyntments smear , Walk'd as in Pain , the more his Grief to shew , See what great Art and Industry can do ! He feigns not now the Gout , his Gout is true . Ep. 41. To Castricus . If any in Rich Gifts with thee dare vie , His Skill with thee , in verse too , let him try : I , poor in both , prepared am to yield , And find much Ease , by quitting of the Field . Why then Ill Verses do I thee present ? Dost think , none e'er Alcinous Apples sent ? Ep. 42. To Cinna . The best , when thou art ask'd , is to say , ay : The next is , Cinna , quickly to deny . I love him Gives ; him , that Denies , not hate ; But thou both givest and deny'st too late . Ep. 43. To Q. Ovidius , on the Statue of Cesonius . See thy Cesonius lively figur'd here , Who unto thee , Ovidius , was so dear ; Whom Nero did condemn , but thou didst dare Nero condemn , while thou his Fate durst share , Despising of thine own , and went'st along Through Seas , through Rocks , Great Partner of his Wrong . An Exile , him to follow , thou didst chuse , Tho' this , when Consul , thou didst him refuse . If Names shall live , commended by my Verse , This Fact to future Ages they 'll rehearse , That the like Faith from thee Cesonius found , For which to Seneca , himself was so renown'd . Ep. 45. To Priscus . While Verses thou wilt have thy Gift attend , Which thou desir'st , like Homer's , may be penn'd , Thy self and me thou vexest day and night , And , to my Grief , thy Muse takes her Delight . Lofty and chiming Verse to th'Rich present , Course useful Gifts best to the Poor are sent . Ep. 46. To Licinius Sura . Thou most Illustrious of our Learned Men , Whose Style the Ancients does retrieve again ; How great a Gift did Fates on us bestow , When , ready now to taste the Waves below , They sent thee back ; when all gave way to Tears , And had deposed both their Hopes and Fears . Hells Regent could not so much Envy bear , But did himself thy Thread of Life repair . Thou ●eest what Grief , wer 't Dead , would all annoy ; And may'st , thy After-life , in Life , enjoy . Live like one snatch'd from Death , crop Joy's brief Flow'r , Who from the Grave 's return'd , should lose no hour . Ep. 50. To Urbicus . If you desire my Sportive Books to know , Yet care not for them Money to bestow ; Pompeius Auctus ( unknown ) from me greet , In Mars Revenger's Temple him you 'll meet ; Skill'd in all Law and Courts : On him I look , Not as my Reader , but my very Book . By heart he has so perfect ev'ry Line , That not a Title can be lost that 's mine . So that the Author he might claim to be , Did he not favour both my Fame and Me. You may your self to him ( at ten ) invite , From Business he is never free till night . His little Supper will admit of two , He 'll Read ; to Eat , is all you have to do : And when you say , Enough ; he 'll still go on ; Nay , tho ▪ you 're tir'd , he will not yet have done . Ep. 51. To Auctus . Reading my Books to Celer , pleases me , If what thou read'st , to him , as pleasing be . O'er Spain , my Native Soyle , he does preside , Such Justice in that World did ne'er reside . So Great a Man my Rev'rence does excite , Not to a Reader , but a Judge , I write . Ep. 52. On Umber . All the Saturnal five days to thee sent , In one vast Gift , thou didst to me present ; Twelve Table-books , seven Tooth-picks , and a Cup , Olives and Beans in Bull-rush Frails made up ; Even pace with these a Spoon and Napkin bore , A Flaggon stain'd with Wine , as black as Gore ; Dry'd Plums , Prunello's of the oldest date , A Jarr of Libyan Figs , of massy weight . The Price of all did of four Shillings lack , Which eight strong Slaves yet bore upon their Back . How easie , more commodious had it been , By a little Boy t' have sent four Guinea's in ? Ep. 53. To Nasidienus . There 's not a Morn , that me thou dost not vex With idle Dreams , that may my Thoughts perplex : Which , while to expiate , thou dost pretend , The Wine of two years Vintage to an end Is brought ; Salt , Meal , whole heaps of Gums are spent ; And from my dwindling Flocks my Lambs are sent : A Pig , an Hen , an Egg , I cannot keep , Watch , with a Pox , or , at thine own Charge , sleep . Ep. 55. On Rabirius , Domitian's Principal Architect . When with such Art , Rabirius did design Th'Emperial Palace , Models all Divine His Soul conceiv'd , his soreing Thoughts did fly Up to the starry Pole , and arched Sky . Phidias his Iove were Pisa now t'inshrine , No Structure they 'd approve , but what were thine . Ep. 58. On Cecilianus . Cecilian , without Boar , did never eat . How well the Eater's suited , and his Meat . Ep. 59. To Jove . Great Rome , dread Iove , and Heav'n , obey thy Nod , And all believe , when Caesar's safe , a God. While others , for themselves , do thee adore , Whate'er a Deity can give , implore : That I alone do nought of thee desire , As Pride in me , let it not move thine Ire . That thou to Caesar would'st propitious be , I only pray , and Caesar unto me . Ep. 60. To Domitian . Presumptuous Traders did all Rome possess , No bounds did set to such their mad Excess : Caesar the pester'd Streets did open lay , Where only was a Path , he made a Way ; Ground for their Huts , or Vessels none might hire , To cause the Praetor t●ead o'er Shoes i' th' Mire : And Rogues encourag'd secret Arms to bear ; Cooks , Barbers , Vict'allers , all restrained are : Thy Edict , Caesar , their Encroachments stop ; Rome's Rome again , 't was lately one great Shop . Ep. 63. On a Barber . When but a Barber thou wert known to be , Thy wanton Dame rais'd thee to Knights degree : But for thy Crimes obnoxious to the Law , To Sicily thou thought'st fit to withdraw . In thy now useless Age what Art wilt court , Thy wretched Life how , sav'd by flight , support ? Rhet'rick or Grammar Skill thou dost not own ; Philosophy is more to thee unknown ; T' a forreign Stage thy self thou canst not hire ; Sir Knight , to Barb again , thou must retire . Ep. 64. To Gargilianus . Ten Winters , Gargilianus , twice o'er told , Thy single Law-Suit in three Courts did hold . Ah , Wretch and Mad-man ! Twenty Years to brawl , When in thy Pow'r it was , to give up all . Ep. 65. On Labienus . Fabius sole Heir did Labienus leave ; He yet complains , he did his Hopes deceive . Ep. 67. To Rufus . My Book , to shew thy Father , Friend , forbear ; Perhaps he only likes those Serious are ; My wanton Verse , if they with him succeed , I dare to Curius and Fabricius read . Ep. 68. On Theophila . This is Theophila , that Learned She , The Gods , my Canius , have reserv'd for thee . Whom , his Disciple , Plato's proud to name , The Sto● doth as emulously claim . The Works will live , that pass her Learned Test , So Wise , so above Woman , is her Breast . Not fair Pantenis can to her aspire , Tho' so Illustrious in the Muses Quire. Amorous Sappho may admire her Verse , Greater in Virtue , not in Po'sie less . Ep. 72. To Maximus . Houses in Dian's Mount , in Esquilin , More i' th' Patrician Street of thine are seen ; Hence Cybel's Fane , from thence thou may'st behold Vesta's ; here Iove's new Temple , there his old . Where may we find thee ? Say , in what place ? Tell. Who ev'ry where resides , does no where dwell . Ep. 75. To Philomusus . Our Great ones strive , who first shall catch thee up , Who carry thee to Plays , to Walk , to Sup ; Take high Delight , as often as they may , To bathe with thee , to have thee on the way . Do not for this , thy self too much admire , They do not love thee , but to Laugh , desire . Ep. 80. To Lausus . Thou thirty Epigrams dost note for bad ; Call my Book Good , if thirty Good it had . Ep. 82. On Eutrapelus . Eutrapelus , the Barber , works so slow , That while he shaves , the Beard a-new does grow . Ep. 83. To his Book . While my Cecilius to the World would leave My Picture ; and the rare Piece seems to breath ; My Book to Peuce , and still Ister go , Held by Secundus from the conquer'd Foe . To him a small , but pleasing , Gift thou'lt be , And in my Verse , my perfect Face he 'll see : Which neither Chance , nor pow'r of Time , can rase , Ev'n when Apelles Works they shall deface . Ep. 84. To Sabellus . That thou Tetrastichs writes , not without Wit , And Distichs also prettily dost hit , I praise , but not admire : 'T is no hard Task Verses to write ; a Book more Skill does ask . Ep. 85. On Sextus . When but a Stranger , to thy Birth-day Feast , I ever , Sextus , was a constant Guest . What 's fallen out ? What did thy Anger move , After so many Years and Proofs of Love , That I , thy ancient Friend , am passed by ? But I my self can tell the Reason why . I sent no Plate , no Gift to thee I made ; For thou call'st that a Treat , in truth's a Trade ; Profit thou seek'st , thou seek'st not , Sextus , Friends . My Man forgot , thou say'st , his Stripes shall make amends . Ep. 86. On Himself . If Flaccus in an horned Owl delight , And Canius in an Ethiope , black as Night ; If Publius much a little Bitch does love , And Cronius does an Ape no less approve ; If Marius a vile Indian Mouse affects , If , Lausus , thou a pratling Pye respect'st ; Glacilla wreaths about her Neck a Snake , Another for her Bird a Tomb does make ; Why may not I admire a lovely Face , When Monsters , like to these , the others grace ? Ep. 89. To Creticus . Matho objects , my Books unequal are , If he says true , he praises e'er aware , Calvin and Umber write an equal Strain , Naught is the Book that 's free from heights , and plain . Ep. 91. On Baccara . If need thou hast , thou need'st not me intreat , Baccar , these Words thou often dost repeat . My Creditor's Rage thou in his Look dost read , Thou seest , but know'st not , Baccar , what I need . My Rent , thou by , is call'd for in with speed , Thou hear'st , but know'st not , Baccar , what I need . I shiver in a tatter'd thread-bare Weed , Thou seest , yet know'st not , Baccar , what I need . I need , that thou wert Planet-struck with speed , No more that thou may'st say , What dost thou need ? Ep. 94. On Linus . 'T is Winter , and December's horrid Cold , Makes all things stark ; yet , Linus , thou lay'st hold On all thou meet'st , none can thy Clutches miss , But with thy frozen Mouth all Rome dost kiss . What could'st more spightful do , or more severe , Had'st thou a Blow o' th' Face , or Box o' th' Ear ? My Wife , this time , to kiss me does forbear , My Daughter too , however debonaire . But thou more Trim and Sweeter art . No doubt , Th'Icicles , hanging at thy Dog-like Snout , The congeal'd Snivle dangling on thy Beard , Ranker than th' oldest Goat of all the Herd . The nasty'st Mouth i' th' Town I 'd rather greet , Than with thy flowing frozen Nostrils meet . If therefore thou hast either Shame or Sense , Till April comes no Kisses more dispense . Ep. 95. An Epitaph on Urbicus . I Infant Urbicus here bury'd lye , My Name and Birth Great Rome did dignifie . Three Years I had not full attain'd unto , When rigid Fates my Thread did cut in two . What serv'd my Childhood , Beauty , early Speech ? To drop a Tear , is all they can beseech . Which if thou dost , may like Chance from thee fly , And all thou lov'st , as ag'd as Nestor dye . Ep. 96. To his Book . If Book , Cesius Sabinus , ( the Renown Of hilly Umbria , and of the Town Of my Friend Aulus Pudens ) thou dost know , Howe'er employ'd , yet boldly to him go ; Tho' many urgent Cares oppress his Mind , A vacant Time to read thee , he will find . For me he loves ; and deigns my Verse the Grace , Next Turnus Noble Works to hold the Place . O , what great Trophies are for thee prepar'd ! What num'rous Friends ! what Glories to be shar'd ! There 's not a Mart , in which thou'lt not be found , A Feast , a Street , but will with thee refound , The Baths , the Portico's , ev'n ev'ry Stall , To One thou' rt sent , but wilt be read by All. Ep. 97. On Castor . While all things thou didst buy , it thee befel , That all things , Castor , thou dost likewise sell. Ep. 98. To Crispus . May'st thou the Prince still Gracious to thee find , And Rome , no less than Egypt , ever kind : If , when in Court , my Verses thou dost hear , ( For sometimes Caesar deigns to them an Ear ) Thou me afford'st this free and candid Praise , This Man 's a Glory , Caesar , to thy days , Yields not to Marsus , Pedo , or the best . This is enough ; to Caesar leave the rest . Ep. 101. On Milo. While Milo Travels , Fallow lyes his Field , His Wife , howe'er , a yearly Crop doth yield . How comes she Fruitful , and that Barren ? Say. His Wife was plow'd , his Land neglected lay . LIB . VIII . Ep. 1. To his Book . TO th' Princes laurell'd Court , seeing thou' rt to go , Learn , Book , a chaste and modest Speech to know . No place is left for wanton Venus there , Pallas , Caesarian Pallas , rule does bear . Ep. 2. To Janus . When Ianus , Lord of Times , beheld of late Th' Emperial Victor in triumphant State , Tho' Faces he had two , he thought them few , And wish'd that yet more Eyes he had to view . With both his Tongues he said unto our Lord , Nestor ' s four Ages I 'll to thee afford . O Father Ianus ! thine own also give , That he not long , but may for ever live . Ep. 3. To his Muses . Five had suffic'd , six Books or seven do cloy , Why dost as yet delight , my Muse , to toy ? Give o'er for shame : Fame has not more to grace My Verse , the Business made in ev'ry place . And when proud Tombs , in which for Fame Men trust , O'erthrown and broken lye reduc'd to Dust , I shall be read , Strangers will make 't their care , Unto their sev'ral Soils my Works to bear . She of the Sacred Nine , ( when I had spoke ) Whose Locks with Odours drop , thus Silence broke . And wilt thou then thy pleasant Verse forsake ? What better Choice , Ungrateful , canst thou make ? Exchange thy Mirthful for a Tragick Vein ; Thunder harsh Wars in an Heroick Strain ; Which strutting Pedants , till they 're hoarse , may rant , While the Ripe Youth detest to hear the Cant : Let the o'er-sowre and dull that way delight , Whose Lamps at Midnight see the Wretches write . But season thou thy Lines with sharpest Wit , That all may read their Vices smartly hit . Altho' thou seem'st to play but on a Reed , Thy slender Pipe the Trumpet does exceed . Ep. 6. On ▪ Euctus . Than Euctus antick Plate , nothing can be More hateful ; Earthen Pots I wish to see , When he their raving Ped'grees to relate , Deadens the Wine with his old rusty Prate . This Cup , Laomedon ' s own Table grac'd ; This was Apollo ' s , when Troy ' s Walls he plac'd ; This , 'gainst the Lapithes , did Rhecus throw , See how 't is craz'd , and batter'd with the blow ! This , of odd Make , was Nestor ' s high Delight , Nestor ' s own Thumb did wear this Dove so bright . Achilles , in this Scyff , large Draughts did pour To 's Friends , having carous'd it off before . This Bowl to Bitias Dido quass'd , that Night She entertain'd ber lov'd Dardanian Knight ! While thus he boasts Goblets of Priam's Age , Wines of * Astyanax our Thirsts asswage . We'd rather of thy Wine thou 'd'st crack the Odds , Give us the Liquor , not the Plate , o' th' Gods. Ep. 7. On Cinna . Is this to plead , the Learned Lawyer play , In ten Hours , Cinna , but nine Words to say ? Yet thou this Time , four Glasses didst increase . 'T is a vast while that thou canst hold thy Peace . Ep. 10. On Bassus . Bassus a Gown of richest Purple Die , But lately , for an hundred Crowns did buy . O mighty Bargain ! Why ? So Cheap d' you say ? Yes , unto him , who never means to pay . Ep. 11. To Domitian . That Caesar's come to Rome , the Rhine does know , So far , so fast , the Peoples Voices go ; Their iterated Shouts the Scythians fright , All Nations , whom their Joy does not delight . While in the Cirque their Salve's welcom thee , The Races they regard not , tho' they see . No Prince , Thy self , was e'er so lov'd before , Rome if she would , she could not love thee more . Ep. 12. On Priscus . Dost ask , Why a Rich Wi●e I would not wed ? Because I would be Lord i' th' Marr●'ge Bed. Priscus , the Wife , should the Inferior be : But Wealth on her part , makes a Parity . Ep. 13. On a Fool. I bought a Fool , I thought , for twenty Pound , Restore my Coyn , the Fool his Wit has found . Ep. 14. On his Cruel Friend . Least Winter Blasts shou'd th● choice Fruitannoy , And keener Air thy tender Plants destroy , Fences enclose them of transparent Stone , Which , without cold , admit the Sun alone . But unto me thou giv'st an open Cell , Where Boreas even himself wou'd fear to dwell . With Friendship , Cruel , how does this agree ? Than be thy Friend , 't were better be thy Tree . Ep. 18. To Cirinius . Such Epigrams , Cirinius , thou dost frame , As with , or before , mine , might get a Name : But such Regard to thy old Friend thou 'ast shown , That my Fame's dearer to thee , than thine own . Thus Odes , for Horace sake , Virgil forbore , Altho' he Pindar could have gone before . To Varus left the proud Cothurnal Vein , Tho' himself mightier was i' th' Tragick Strain . Many will give their Goods , their Gold , their Ground . But , that give place in Wit , there 's few are found . Ep. 19. On Cinna . To pretend Want , like Rich Men , thou art vain , Poorer in Truth , than thou thy self canst feign . Ep. 20. On Varus . Thou heaps of Verses daily dost devise , Yet none recite ; both Fool thou art , and Wise. Ep. 21. On the coming of Caesar. Phosphor , bring Light ; why dost our Joys delay ? Caesar's to come ; Phosphor , bring on the Day . Rome begs it . Art drawn in Bootes Teem , Thou mov'st so slowly with a lazy Beam ? Castor will not refuse that thou should'st mount His swift foot Cillaron on this account . Impatient Titan why dost thou detain ? Xanthus and Ethon both desire the Rein ; Aurora waits : Yet ling'ring Stars there be , As if the Moon th' Ausonian King would see ! Come , Caesar , tho' in Night , let Stars delay : When thou art here , we shall not want a Day . Ep. 24. To Domitian . If in this little Book of modest Brow , I ought do beg , and not too Great , allow : Or if thou grant'st not , Caesar , let me sue ; Incense and Pray'rs ne'er Iove's Displeasure drew . Not he that carves the Form , in Stone and Oar , Does make a God , but he that does Adore . Ep. 29. Who Disticks writes , to Brevity does look : But where 's the Brevity , if 't fills a Book ? Ep. 30. On the Story of M. Scaevola acted . In Brutus time , what was Rome's highest Praise Is as a Pastime shew'd , in Caesar's days : The Presentation , the true Story shames , His Valiant Hand so bravely grasps the Flames , Enjoys its Torment , and derides their Ire , Frolicks and Reigns in the astonish'd Fire ! His own Spectator he appears to stand , T' Applaud , not Feel , the Fun'ral of his Hand ! The Altars gluts , and if not torn away , Flesh'd only , and unwilling to obey , His other Hand h 'ad thrust into the Flame , Fresh , when that fainted ; Fierce , when that was Tame ! After so brave a Deed , invidious 't were , To search his Life , or Stock , or to impair His Fame , by urging what he was before . What he has done's enough , I need no more . Ep. 31. On Dento . Thou know'st not , Dento , what thou dost give leave To Men , pleasantly of thee to conceive : Who begg'st that * Grace , as soon as thou art wed , Which should be giv'n thee from the Marri'ge Bed. But with Requests , to tire the Prince , forbear , And to thy long-left Wife and Home repair ; Who , while at Rome thou' rt suing on the Score Of having Three Sons , will have brought thee Four. Ep. 33. On a Cup presented to him . A Leaf of gilded Bays your Gift does seem , But nam'd a Cup , to gain it more Esteem . Sure it was Lacker , Pageants does adorn , Whereon the Images of Gods are borne , Or else some Bed-post , this rich Plate , did yield , Which , by thy Knavish Boy , from thence was peel'd . So light it is , the Wind , that ev'ry Fly Makes with its Wings , o'er-turn'd it passing by ; The Vapor of a Candle bore it up , One drop of Wine abolish'd quite the Cup. March-pains are spatter'd with such Massy Gold , When they for Childrens New-years-Gifts are sold ; Sun-beams , that make blown Lillies bow the head , More solid are ; the Gossomer that 's spread Upon the Grass ; Paint on a Ladies Face , Which thinest laid , is held the greater Grace . To Jars and Goblets , why dost thou pretend , When but a Spoon or Bodkin thou might'st send ? A Spoon or Bodkin ? I too much do say ; When to give Nothing , in thy pow'r it lay . Ep. 35. On an Evil Couple . When you so well agree in course of Life , The vilest Husband , and the vilest Wife , 'T is strange , that ever you should live in Strife . Ep. 37. To Domitian . Smile , Caesar , at the Pyramids loud Fame ; Memphis no more thy barb'rous Wonders name ; Th' Egyptian Works reach not the smallest part , Of the Parrhasian Courts Majestick Art : No such Illustrious Piece the day does show ; Nor Sol in 's Universal Travels know . Seven vast Pavilions , like seven Mountains , rise , Pelion on Ossa scal'd not so the Skies ; Thunder and Clouds beneath , th' aspiring Top Enters the Heavens , and 'gainst the Stars does knock The Sun salutes it with his early'st Ray , On highest Hills 't is Night , when here 't is Day . Thy Palace , 'bove th' Olympian , tho' renoun'd , Unto its Lord is not yet equal found . Ep. 39. To Domitian . For those that eat the Courts Ambrosian Fare , Spacious enough the Rooms not lately were . The Structure now adds to the Wine a Grace , Which Ganymedes pour forth in ev'ry place . Rome does implore , Iove's Guest thou late wou'd'st be Or if Impatient , that he 'd Sup with thee . Ep. 40. To Priapus . Priapus , ( not my Vines or Fruit to save , But a thin Wood ) thy Patronage I crave ; From whence thou cam'st , and may'st a new be made . Let me advise thee , spoil the Stealers Trade , And for the Owners Fire reserve the Stock ; If that shall fail , thy self art but a Block . Ep. 43. On Fabius and Chrestilla . Fabius all Wives , Chrestilla Husbands sped , Torches triumphant shook , when they were dead . Their Fortune , Venus , let these Victors try , And on one Bier doubtless they both will lye . Ep. 44. To Titullus . Tho' late , enjoy thy Life , thy short time rate ; Hadst thou begun a Boy , it had been late : But , Wretch , even Old , thou know'st not yet to live , T' attend the Great , dost thy last Periods give ; Through all the Law-Courts thou dost swetting run , No kind of Duty , Hardship , Slav'ry shun . Scrape , heap , possess , thou all behind must leave ; Thee , of thy present Cash , Death will bereave , Of all in Bank , or Bond , that 's to thee due ; Nor will thy flatt'ring Heir to thee be true : But when he has confum'd thy mighty Store , Swear , after all , that thou didst die but Poor : Nor will his Leudness that short time forbare , He does the Fun'ra● Bites for thee prepare ; But , in 's false Tears , will with thy Relick lie , The very day in which he saw thee die . Ep. 46. On a Chast Boy . How great 's thy Virtue , and thy Form how rare ! Theseus Chast Son cannot with thee compare . For all the Glory of her Virgin Name , To bathe with thee , Diana would not shame . And whom , might Cybele alone enjoy , She would prefer before her Phrygian Boy . Ganymede 's Place didst thou to Iove supply , Iuno thou would'st redeem from Jealousie . Happy 's the Maid , shall thy soft Breast enflame , And give thee first a Man's and Husband's Name . Ep. 48. On Crispinus's Robe . When at the Bath Crispinus did undress , To whom he gave his Robe , he cannot guess . Restore the Spoil , whoever has it , pray . Not this Crispinus , but the Robe does say . A Scarlet Gown is not for all Mens wear , Who are not Noble , this rich Die forbare . If Theft delights thee , a dishonest Prize , Avoid what will betray thee , if ●●ou ▪ rt Wise. Ep. 50. To Domitian . As was that Ovant Feast , Night swell'd with Joy , After that Iove the Giants did destroy ; And vulgar Gods , together with the Great , Benignly at his Heavenly Table treat ; And Fauns and Satyrs were allow'd to call Freely for Nectar i' th' Olympian Hall. Such was that Genial Feast , triumphant State , When Caesar did his Laurel confecrate , And Gods , as well as Men , exhilerate . Patricians , People , Knights , all Rome did eat With their Great Lord of his Ambrosian Meat , Great things thou promis'd , greater didst bestow , Not for a Dole , but Royal Feast we owe. Ep. 55. To Domitian . Like the amazing Terrors which resound In Libyan Pastures , and adjoyning Ground , When Herds of Lions rage in Forrests nigh , And make the fiercest Bulls and Shepherds fly Home to their Holds , ready through Fear to die : Such was the Roaring late i' th' place of Game , A Troop of Lions seem'd to make the same ; It was but One , but One all else did dread , And paid Subjection to his Crowned Head. O , what a horrid Grace his Neck did show ! Down to his Feet his curled Main did flow : His large spread Breast , for largest Spears did call ; Great was the Fear , and Triumph , at his Fall. Like Glory Libyan Coasts ne'er sent before , Nor Ida ever saw in all her Store : Was 't not the same t' Alcides gave Renown , And by thy Father from the * Stars sent down ? Ep. 56. To Flaccus . When former Ages Glory stoops to ours , And Rome is greater with her Emperors , That Maro's Sacred Vein is no where found , And none so deep the Trump of War does sound , Thou wonder'st , Flaccus : Whereas do but grant Mecenas's , and thou 'lt not Maro's want : Nay , if thy Farm alone thou wilt bestow , The World shall to thee for a Virgil owe. The Lands which near to sack'd Cremona lay , The Soldier shar'd , and drove the Flocks away : * Tityrus , alas , involved in the Wrong , Wept forth his Losses in a feeble Song . The * Tuscan Knight smil'd , when his Fortune frown'd , And all the Poets Care in Plenty drown'd . Malignant Want , Parent of Mean Conceit . ( He , God-like , cry'd ) Make hence thy swift Retreat , And take thou Wealth , and best of Poets be , 'Bove what the World e'er saw , or e'er shall see . My fair Alexis too , ( you understand ) Without a Rival is at your Command . The lovely Boy , at his new Master's Board , With snowy Hands the black * Falernum pour'd ; So bright a Fountain , and so rich a Stream , Was never Poet's Love , or Poet's Theme ! Then with his Rosie Lips he took the Say , Had Iove look'd on , h 'ad snatch'd the Boy away . Straight from th' astonish'd Poet 's ravish'd Heart , All former Thoughts of his low Rural Art Quite vanish'd , each course , Rude spun Idea , His Sun-burnt Thestilis and Galate● ; And in his lofty high inspir'd Mind , Bright Schemes of War , Heroes , and Nations , shin'd : Who , late a Gnat , could scarcely well inhearse , In the weak Numbers of his Ill-wrought Verse . He drank Heroick Fancy with his Wine , Riches and Love turn'd all his Thoughts Divine . What boots it me , to count the enrich'd Store Of Noble Poets ? Marsus , Varus , more ? Whose Names , a Burden 't were , but to repeat . Thou askest then , If Me thou also treat Mecenas way , should'st thou a Virgil see ? If not a Virgil , I 'll a * Marsus be . Ep. 58. To Caesar. Tho' thou great Gifts hast giv'n , and wilt give more ; Victor of Kings , and thine own Deeds before ; Thou art not lov'd , 'cause thy Rewards are free ; But thy Rewards are lov'd , Caesar , for thee . Ep. 59. On a One-ey'd Thief . Seest him , who shifts so well with his one Eye , Under whose bold and brazen Brow does lye The others gaping Socket ? Th' Man forbear To scorn , there no where lives a Snap so rare . Autolycus's Fingers never were Such Lime-twigs , nor might they with his compare . If he 's your Guest , cautious you 'd need to be , For then he lays about him , and does see With both his Eyes : And let the Waiters watch With ne'er such Circumspection , yet he 'll catch A Cup , a Spoon , e'er they 're aware entrap The vagrant Napkins , hoarding all in 's Lap : If from the Back a Cloak a little stray , 'T is his , and double Cloak'd he goes away . The Lacquies Flamboes , tho' on a light flame , He dares attempt , nor does he fear the Shame . And if he lights upon no other Prey , He 'll chouse his Boy , steal his own Shooes away . Ep. 61. On Carinus . Vipers ne'er cease to gnaw Carinus Breast , Anguish and Grief his Quiet to molest ; His Envy rages to that high degree , To hang himself he only wants a Tree . Not 'cause my Book 's now richly gilt and bound , My self and Verse through all the World renown'd : But I 'ave a House near Rome , and on the Score , I 'm drawn with Mules , not hir'd , as heretofore . What shall I wish , th' Envious to repay ? I wish , on him that Fortune also may A Farm bestow near Town , and Men may tell , That Mules he drives , and Roots and Herbs does sell. Ep. 64. On Clytus . That many Presents Friends to thee may send , Eight Birth-days in one Year thou dost pretend . Tho' fresher were thy Looks and brighter shin'd , Than the smooth Stones upon Sea-shores we find ; Thy Hair yet blacker than the blackest Jet , And all that Youth proclaims , in thee were met ; Older than Priam , Nestor , thee I 'd hold , For they so many Birth-days never told : For shame thy Rapines then at length forbear , And let one Day suffice thee in a Year ; Least Men deny to thee a Humane Birth , Believe thee some vile Product of the Earth . Ep. 65. To Domitian . Were this refulgent Temple we behold , * Fortune Return'd , her Altar stood of old . Great Caesar made a stand first in this Place , Shewing , through Dust of War , Majestick Grace , And darting Beams of Glory from his Face . Here Rome , with Laurels crown'd , with Hand and Voice Honour'd their Prince , and highly did rejoyce . The Place an Ovant Arch does also show , And that , the Dacians double Overthrow : Two Char'ots , drawn by Elephants , there stands Upon the Top , his Hand their Reins command ; His Figure , carv'd in Gold , 's seen both to ride , Able , alone , two such vast Teams to guide . Caesar , this Arch comports with Rome's Renown , The Entrance should be such to Mars's Town . Ep. 67. On Cecilianus . When the fifth hour not yet is told by thee , Thou com'st , Cecilian , to Sup with me ; The Courts of Law yet sit , the Play 's not done . Calistus , ho , to Grillus bathes streight run , Altho' unwash'd , my Servant 's bid return , And lay the Cloth. Cecilianus , sit ; Call'st for warm Water ? Cold 's not brought in yet , The Kitchin-door is lock'd , the Fire not li't . Why didst thou stay so long , as five , to Sup ? I' th' Morning cam'st not , when thou first wer 't up ? Or why not at an hour , that was too late ? Come when thou wilt , it must be out of date . Ep. 68. To Entellus . Those who so high Alcinous Orchards raise , With greater reason may thy Villa praise . That Winter's rage may not thy Fruit lay waste , No chilling Cold Bacchus rich Clusters blast ; Transparent Stone thy rarer Plants enclose , Guard from the Frost , and to the Eye expose : So Virgins Limbs their silken Vestments show , And Christal Streams , the Stones , o'er which they flow . Nature , by help of Art , will nought refuse , Autumn , in depth of Winter , she 'll produce . Ep. 69. On Vacerra . Vacerra does the Ancients only praise , Thinks Poets dead alone deserve the Bays . Forgive me , wise Vacerra , if that I To have thy Praise , do make no haste to dye . Ep. 76. On Gallicus . Speak the Truth , Martial ; of all Love , be bold ; There 's nothing I so gladly would be told . So , Gallicus , thou urgently dost say , When thou recit'st thy Books , and on the day Thou publickly hast pleaded at the Bar. 'T is hard to hide , what thou dost press so far . Then , Gallicus , if thou the Truth wou'd'st hear , There 's nothing , like the Truth , that thou dost fear . Ep. 79. On Fabulla . All thy Companions aged Beldams are , Or more deform'd , than Age makes any , far : These Cattel at thy heels thou trail'st always To publick Walks , to Suppers , and to Plays . 'Cause when with such alone we thee compare , Thou canst be said , Fabulla , Young or Fair. Ep. 80. To Caesar. Our Fathers Deeds , Caesar , thou dost revive , Preserve the grayest Ages still alive ; The antiquated Latian Games renew , The Fight with simple Fists , thy Sands do shew ; Temples , tho' old , their Honour thou maintain'st , The mean , for th' sake of richer , not disdain'st . Thus while thou new dost build , the old restore , We owe thee for thy own , and all before . Ep. 81. On Gellia . In Gellia's Vows no God or Goddess share , She by their Names , nor Sacred Rites , does swear , But by her Pearls , which do so rarely pair . These she does hug and kiss , and often call Her Brothers and her Sisters , ev'n her All ; Her dearest Children rates them far above , And to them shews a far more ardent Love : And shou'd the Wretch by any Chance these lose , To live a Minute longer she 'd refuse . Oh , for a dext'rous Cheat what would I give ? To ' reave a Life , so ill deserves to live . LIB . IX . Ep. 1. To Avitus . THo' thy learn'd Breast , Great Poet , 's to me known , And that thy Verse will raise me 'bove mine own ; Yet this short Title on my Statue place , Which 'mong no common Authors thou dost grace . I 'm He , in Sportive Verse , none is above , Who none astonish , yet all Readers love ; In vaster Works * vast uncouth things are said , My Glory is , that I am often read . Ep. 2. To Domitian , on the Temple built in Honour of the Flavian Family . While Summers , Autumns , Winters shall abide , Emperial Names shall o'er the Months preside ; While great December's bright and glorious day , Shall boast Domitian made the Rhene obey ; While the Tarpejan Rock shall fix'd remain , And Iove within the Capitol shall reign ; While Roman Matrons Iulia shall adore , With Frankincense the Goddess mild implore ; The lofty Temple of the Flavian Race , Shall flourish with Divine Immortal Grace ; Like Sun and Moon , even like Rome's Empire , stand , A Heaven is built by a Victorious Hand . Ep. 6. On Paulla . That , Paulla , thou would'st Priscus wed , thou' rt wise ; And he 's no Fool , that he does thee despise . Ep. 8. On Afer . Thee home return'd , from Africk , I heard say , And five days Aves did design to pay : But twice and thrice attending , it was said , Thou wert employ'd , or else , thou wert in Bed. Enough ; thou lik'st not , that I wish thee well , 'T is easier too for me to say , Farewell . Ep. 9. To Bithinicus . Fabius , ( to whom thy Presents yearly brought , Six thousand ) as I hear , has left thee nought . Complain not ; he has bequeath'd more to none : Six thousand 's left thee yearly of thine own . Ep. 11. On Cantharus . When , Cantharus , thou' rt a Slave to others Meat ▪ Men with Reproofs and Railings dost thou treat ? Forbear the Sharpness of a Mind that 's Free ; Cynick and Glutton both thou canst not be . Ep. 14. On Earinus . Thy Name the sweetest Season in does bring , ( Joy of the plund'ring Bees ) the flow'ry Spring ; Which to decypher Venus may delight , Or Cupid , with a Plume from 's own Wing , write ; Which those , that Amber chafe , shou'd only note , Or be upon , or with a Jewel wrote ; A Name the Cranes do figure as they fly , And boast to Iove , as they approach the Sky : A Name that does with no place else comport , But where 't is fix'd , only in Caesar's Court. Ep. 15. On a Parasite . He on thy Cheer and Table does attend , Can'st thou believe to be a Faithful Friend ? The Boar , the Mullet , Souce he loves , not thee ; If I as richly far'd , my Friend he 'd be . Ep. 16. On Cloe. Cloe this Tomb , upon seven Husbands dead , Caus'd to be rais'd , What can be truer said ? Ep. 20. On Sabellus . Ponticus Baths , who frankly thee did treat , Thou praised'st in three hundred Verse compleat : Thy business was not here to Bathe , but Eat . Ep. 23. To Pastor . Pastor , thou may'st suppose I Wealth require , On like Accounts the Vulgar it desire : That in my Setin or rich Tuscan ground , The Chains of many working Slaves may sound ; That Libyan Teeth my Tables may adorn , In-laid with Iv'ry , and with Iv'ry borne ; My Beds may creek with Plates of purest Gold , Falernian Wine my large bright Christals hold ; M' attendant Maids may be of such a frame , As may the Hearts of all my Guests enflame , With Hebes self contest a beaut'ous Name ; That Slaves in Purple me a loft may bear , While num'rous Clients throng about my Chair . None of all these ( the Gods I do attest ) Have the least place within my temp'rate Breast . Dost ask , Why Riches I do wish for then ? To build , not Houses , but deserving Men. Ep. 25. To Carus , on the Emperor's Statue . What Noble Artist has such Glory won ? In taking Caesar's Face , Phidias out-done ? Whose polish'd Iv'ry is no way so fair , As with the Latia● Marble to compare . Such with delight , we see Heav'ns Face , and wonder , When , without Clouds serene , we hear it thunder . Pallas not only gave thee th' Olive Wreath , But her own Work , this Statue , did bequeath . Ep. 26. On Afer . If we thy Maid , presenting Wine , behold , Thy muddy Looks thy Jealousie unfold . What is the Crime on a fair Face to look , When this the Stars , the Sun , the Gods do brook ? Must we avert our Eyes , if Beauty shine , As if a Gorgon skink'd to us the Wine ? Stern was Alcides , yet he did permit Hylas to open View : No Jealous Fit Possesses Iove , or does his Peace annoy ▪ When Mercury with Ganymede does toy . If thou wouldst , none thy Beauteous Maid should see , Thy Guests must * Oedipus and Phineas be . Ep. 27. To Nerva . Who Verses dares to inspir'd Nerva send , To Cosmus too may some vile Drug commend ; Violets , where Roses in their Glory be , Course Corsick Honey to the Hyblan Bee : Yet in my slighter Verse some Grace is found , As Olives p●ease , where choicest Cates abound . Nor wonder that my conscious Muse does fear My Weakness , and thy Judgment does revere ; When Nero , of no mean Poetick strain , In 's youthful Flights , dreaded thy stronger Vein . Ep. 29. An Epitaph on Latinus . The charming Grace , the Glory of the Stage , Th' Applause , the Darling , Pastime of the Age ; Latin lies here , who Cato would have made His fix'd Spectator , sourness have allay'd In rough Fabritius . His strict Life ne'er drew The Stages Vice , its Arts he only knew . Dear to his Lord he must , by Vertue , be , His Lord , whose Eyes , the inward Mind , do see . Him , * Phoebus Parasite , cease , Rome , to name , To be thy Ioves Domestick , he did claim . Ep. 30. An Epitaph on Philenis . When Nestor's years thou could'st but barely tell , Poor Hagg , so early , wert thou snatch'd to Hell ? Sibylla's Age , all out , thou didst not see , Her years thou sum'd'st , but Months thou wanted st three . Oh , what a Voice is still'd ! a hundred Scolds , When all a Right pretend , when all their Holds Fasten at once , and yell , make not that Din ; A Pack of Hounds , when all their Throats set in , Together with the Huntsmen , and their Horn ; A School of Boys , conning at early Morn . Who now shall charm the Moon down from her Sphere ? So sagely who , th' Adulterers Letters bear ? Oh sad Mischance ! Oh heavy fatal Cross ! Mischief was ne'er before at such a Loss . Lye lightly on her , Earth , no weighty Stones , That , with more ease , Dogs may scrape up her Bones . Ep. 31. On Nigrina . Antistus fell in Asia's cruel Clime , Which Land does bear the Odium of this Crime . His Bones Nigrina in her Bosom brought , And the dear Burden made the way seem short . Which when within the Envy'd Tomb she laid , Twice she appear'd to be a Widow made . Ep. 35. On the Flavian Temple . When Iove the Flavian Temple did behold , Like Heaven refulgent , darting Beams of Gold , He scorn'd his Tomb in Ida feign'd of old : And drench'd with Nectar , ( which is plenteous found At his free Board , where Goblets oft go round ) He reach'd a Bowl to Mars , but with his Eye Regarding Phebus and his Sister by , Together with Alcides , and the Son of May , And to 's immortal Off-spring thus did say . My Tomb you rais'd in Cre●t ; but see the odds , Of Caesars , and of being Father of the Gods. Ep. 36. On Philomusus . By these your Arts you many a Supper gain , Telling such things for Truths , you meerly feign : You know the Counsels of the Parthian Court , And can the Forces on the Rhine report ; With th' Dacian General pretend to hold Intelligence ; nay , before-hand , are bold To tell the Chance of War , who'll Victor be , When 't Rains in Egypt , at this distance see ; The Fleet that Carthage will this year equip , You can relate , the Rate of ev'ry Ship ; Upon whose Head th' Emperor will bestow The Olive Wreath ; all this , and more you know . Your Arts , this night , within your Breast lock up , On which Condition , you with me shall Sup ; For my good Chear my Ears do not abuse , With grossest Lies , in other Terms , your News . Ep. 40. On Caesonia's Birth-day . This was our Earthly Iove's first happy Morn , Rhea oft wish'd her Iove upon it born , Which day first light did to Caesonia show , No Daughter e'er t' a Mother more did owe ; Two mighty Joys the day in Rufus moves , Which for his Prince , and for his Wife , he loves . Ep. 43. To Apollo . So may thy Temples , Phoebus , honour'd be , Prophetick Swans held Sacred unto thee ; The Muses glory to make up thy Train , The Delphick Oracles prove never vain , The Palace Divine Worship to thee pay As Caesar ( thou inspiring him ) shall say , The Grace thou ask'st , to Stella I will show , Consular Ensigns upon him bestow . Thy happy Debtor then , a steer I 'll bring , With gilded Horns for my glad Offering ; This Vow upon my rural Altar pay ; The Victim's ready , Phoebus , why dost stay ? Ep. 44. On the Statue of Hercules . He , with the Lion's Skin beneath him spread On the hard Stone , to make a softer Bed ; Whose left Hand holds a Club , whose right a Cup , S●pine the Posture , Face to Heav'n cast up , To Heav'n himself once bore ; is , tho' you see In Figure small , a Mighty Deity ! No modern Master glories in this Piece , It boasts Lysippus hand , and Art of Greece . First , Alexander's Beard the God did shew , By whom , while Young , the World he did subdue ; Upon his Altar too , while yet a Boy , The * Carthaginian vow'd Rome to destroy ; Sylla , at his Command , the Empire eas'd Of his own bloody Reign . At length displeas'd With th' Pride of various Courts , he chose to be A private Man's domestick Deity : And as he once was Guest to th' Nemean Swain , Learn'd Vindex God hereafter to remain . Ep. 46. To Marcellinus . Now thou bear'st Arms under the Northern Pole , Near which the Constellations slowly roll ; With thy approaching Eyes thou may'st behold Prometheus Rock , the fabulous Scene of old , Where th' Aged Hero fill'd both Earth and Skies With hideous Exclamations and loud Cries , The Tortures proving , which he there sustain'd , The Rock less hard , to which his Limbs were chain'd . Who can Mens Hardships or Hard Hearts admire , When they the Off-spring are of such a Sire ? Ep. 48. On Pannicus . Thy words the deep recondite Lore resound Of Plato , Zeno , what 's severest found ; 'Mong those whose horrid Images affect To doom all Vice , by their austere Aspect ; Speak thee Pythag'ras Successor and Heir , Nor ' bates thou him in B●sh of Beard an Hair. Thou 'ast yet , what 's shameful , and shou'd ne'er be said A wanton Groin to this thy awful Head. Say thou , who th' Axioms of all Sects dost know , Whose Dogma 't is , the Scars of Lust to show . Ep. 49. On Gallicus . By what 's most Sacred , and your Head you Sware , Of part of your Estate you 'd make me Heir ; Which I believ'd , ( for who 's that Foolish He , To his own Wishes will a hind'rance be . ) These Hopes to Cherish , I did send you store Of noble Gifts , among the rest , a Boar , So vast , so fat , might be preferr'd before That fam'd of Calydon . You did decree Forth-with to treat Numbers of each Degree , People , Patricians , Knights , the Rich , the Poor , Through ev'ry Ward Rome belches yet my Boar. But ( strange ! ) thou to make me a Guest didst fail , Affordedst not a Rib , not ev'n the Tail. In hope to be thy Heir wou'd'st have me live , Who not a Legacy of mine own Boar didst give ? Ep. 50. On the Gown given him by Parthenius . This is the Gown so honour'd in my Verse , Which Readers often with delight rehearse ; Parthenius Gift , a noble and a bright , Which set me forth a most Illustrious Knight ; When it first new and glossy to me came , It worthy was to bear the Donors Name : But now 't is old and soil'd , worn to the thread , No more can White , but Cold as Snow , be said . What , with much Use and Age , will not decline ? T was the Parthenian Gown , but now Poor Mine . Ep. 51. On Gaurus . Thou prov'st my Wit , Gaurus , but small to be , Because my Pieces please through Brevity . But thou , who can'st the Trojan War enlarge With various Fights , till twenty Books thou charge , Art a great Man. My Poem's smart and curt , Thine is a Giant , but 't is one of Dirt. Ep. 54. To Q. Ovidius . A Gift I did design for your Birth-day ; But you forbad it , and I must obey . You are a most Imperious Man , I see , What I 'd have done to you , do you to me . Ep. 56. To Flaccus . I' th' Feast , in which Friends do their Friends present , While I to Stella , and thee , Flaccus , meant , My Gifts to send ; a num'rous throng of Friends , And each of which to the first place pretends , Beset me . Two t' oblige I did design , But dang'rous 't is , so many to decline , And more , by costly Gifts , to keep them mine . No way to free my self , but this , I see , To Stella nought to send , nor , Flaccus , yet to thee . Ep. 57. On the Emperor's Page . To Africk , Hylas , our Lord's Shield does bear , Cupid , do thou the Lad fit Arms prepare , Such as with which thou softest Breasts dost wound . Yet in his Hand let a light Spear be found ; But Shield and Helm far from him see thou throw , Into the Fight he 'll safelier Naked go . No Sword or Dart Parthenopeus harm'd , While the fair Boy did range the Field unarm'd . Whoever's struck by thee , shall dye with Love , And happy 's he , that such a Fate may prove . Return while young , and while thy Beauty's bright ; And grow a Man in Rome's , not Lybia's , sight . Ep. 60. On Mamurra . Mamurra many Hours does Vagrant tell I' th' Shops , where Rome her richest Ware does sell. Beholds fair Boys , devours them with his Eyes , Not those of common Note , one first espies ; But which in inner Rooms they closely mew , Remov'd from mine , and from the Peoples view . Glutted with these , choice Tables he uncases , Others of Ivory , set high , displaces . Rich Tortois Beds he measures four times o'er , Sighs , they fit not , and leaves them on that score . Consults the Statues of Corinthian Brass By the Scent ; and not without blame le ts pass Thy Pieces , Polyclet . He next complains Of Chrystals mix'd with Glass , and them disdains . Marks Porce'lan Cups , sets ten of them apart : Weighs Antick Plate ( of Mentor's noble Art , If any be ) counts , i' th' Enamell'd Gold , The Gems that stand . Rich Pendants does behold : For the Sardonix makes a search most nice , And of the biggest Jaspers beats the Price . Tir'd now at last , after eleven Hours stay , Two Farthing Pots he bought , and himself bore away Ep. 69. On a School-master . Despiteful Pedant , why dost me pursue , Thou hated Head by all the younger Crew ? Before the Cock proclaims the day is near , Thy direful Threats and Lashes stun mine Ear ; The Anvil rings not out a shriller sound , When massy Hammers the hot Irons pound ; Statues of Brass with lesser Din are made , Than thou dost carry on the Grammar Trade ; Shouts in the Race and Theatre are less , When Factions , for their Parties , Zeal express . Whole Nights , I ask not , in Repose to keep , To Wake 's not grievous , but 't is , ne'er to sleep . Wilt leave thy School , thy bawling Lectures cease ? Thy Gain shall greater be , to hold thy Peace . Ep. 71. On Cecilianus . O Times ! O Manners ! Tully did declame , When Cat'line put the State into a flame : When Son and Father furious Arms did take , And the whole World one Scene of Blood did make . Why now , O Times ! O Manners ! dost thou cry ? What is 't , Severe One , that thou dost descry ? No Wars we hear , no Treasons hateful Sound , But Joy and Peace circle the Empire round . 'T is not our Vices makes thee loath the Times , But , Cecilianus , thine own Secret Crimes . Ep. 74. On a Cobler . A Cobler wont the putrid Soles to retch Of dirty Shooes , and with his Teeth to stretch : Now of his Patron 's Lordship is possess'd , Where had he but a Stall , one would detest . Drunk , he bright Chrystals , with rich Wine , o'erturn● With his Lord's Paramour in Dalliance burns . My Simple Parents taught to me the while Bawbling Letters , to know a Verse , and Style . Gag thy Pen , Muse , and thy Books tare them all , When such a Fortune 's purchas'd by the Awl . Ep. 78. On Priscus . Priscus with Art in many Leaves disputes , What Requisites a Sumptuous Feast best suits ; Many sublime and witty Things he brings , All from a Learn'd and Noble Art which springs . What makes a Feast , shall I in one Line say ? Absence of Scurrilous Jests , and Fidlers Play. Ep. 82. To Avitus . Reader and Hearer both my Books delight : But there 's a Poet says , They are not right . I weigh it not : No more than they make Feasts , Study to please the Cook 's Taste , but the Guests . Ep. 83. On Munna . That thou should'st Perish Early , 't was foretold . And the Prediction , methinks , well does hold : For while thou mad'st much haste to spend thy ' State , That nothing might remain after thy Fate , But in one Year , five Thousand threw'st away , Didst thou not Perish Early , Munna ? Say. Ep. 84. To Caesar. Among the many Wonders of the Stage , With which thou hast adorn'd the present Age Bove former Princes , Caesar : As we owe Much for the Cost and Gallantry of Show , Nothing does yet advance thy Glory more , Than that the Nobles now , however Poor , Spectators sit , that Players were before . Ep. 89. To Rufus . You first to gain me , many Gifts did send , But when once gain'd , all Gifts you did suspend . To hold the Prey , you must still Baits supply . The ill-bred Boar from th' empty Trough will fly . Ep. 93. On a Slave and his Lord. Thou thy Lord's Evils , nor own Good , dost know Who so bewail'st thy State , because 't is low . On thy torn Mattress thou sound Sleeps dost take , While Caius upon Down whole Nights doth wake ; Caius to many Lords performs e'er day Duties , which to thy One thou dost not pay ; Caius , discharge thy Debt , in Court appear , Says Phoebus : Thou no such harsh words dost hear ; Thou feel'st the Lash , Him less the Gout does spare , And to change Griess , a thousand Stripes would bea● Foul Vices Caius brand , and hourly tempt , From which thy low Condition is exempt . Better it is thy self a Slave to see , Than many rich , lewd Caius's to be . Ep. 95. On a Physician . My Doctor for a Wormwood Draught ( O strange ! ) Demands of me Frontiniac in exchange . Glaucus I never took for such an Ass , Who truck'd away his Golden Arms for Brass . Did any Sweet for Bitter ask before ? Well , take 't ; so thou 'lt mix with it * Hellebore . Ep. 97. On a Quack . A Quack attempting late to steal away His Patient's Cup , and taken in the Play. Why 'gainst my Orders dost thou drink ? Did say . Ep. 102. On Bassus . For Drachma's three thou offerd'st to expend , Thou requir'st gown'd , I early thee attend , Make up thy Train , and trot before thy Chair , When thou Old Ladies court'st to be their Heir . My Gown is Thread-bare , mean , I not deny , Yet such I cannot for three Drachma's buy . Ep. 104. To Phoebus . My Bond made to thee for an hundred Pound , Thou 'lt give me up ; for Thanks my Debt compound . Kinder thou 'lt be , to lend me fifty more , To shew thy Bounty to me on this Score . And elsewhere place the other Gift of thine ; What I can never Pay , 's already mine . LIB . X. Ep. 1. The Book to the Reader . IF I too large , Reader , appear to thee , But little read , and I shall little be : Oft in each Page I end : Then , for thy ease , Make me as long , or short , as thou dost please . Ep. 2. To the Reader . This my Tenth Book gone forth , I did remand , Having too hastily escap'd my hand : Some things thou 'lt find , Reader , that were before , But more correct , with much that 's added more ; Favour both Pains . Reader , my Wealth thou art , And Rome could nought , like thee , so Rich impart . By Praise , said she , thou shalt be kept alive , And after Death , thy Nobler Part survive . Wild Shrubs Messalan Marbles pierce and cleave , And Rusticks mock th' Half-Images they leave . Books fear not Age , nor at Times Mercy lye , These Monuments , alone , do never dye . Ep. 4. To Mamurra . Who Tales of Colchos , Scylla , Tereus , read , What do they , but their Minds with Monsters feed ? For what are Atys , Hylas Rapes to thee ? Endymion's Sleep , from Cynthia's Charms , ne'er free ? The Boy that in himself took such delight ? Icarus's lofty unadvised Flight ? What is there , in these wretched Lyes , to please ? Read that may shew thee , what 's thy Minds Disease : No Gorgons , Centaurs , Harpies , stuff my Pen , My Pages relish of the Acts of Men. Mamurra , if thy self thou fear'st to know , On Callimachus's Dreams thy time bestow . Ep. 5. On a railing Poet. Who wounds , of either Sex , the Noble Name , Those he should Honour , with his Verse defame , May he , a Vagrant , on the Bridges rome , Descent of Hills , and know no other Home ; I' th' lowest Rank of Beggars , may he crave Scraps fit for Dogs , and those but hardly have ; And such his Mis'ry more yet to increase , Long be his Winters Rains that seldom cease ; Stretch'd on cold Earth , and Fireless may he lye , Proclaim those Happy , who do early dye : And when his own Last Hour approaches near , Dogs , for his Bones that quarrel , may he fear ; And with a feeble Arm his patch'd Coat wave , His Carcase from the Birds of Prey to save : Nor let his Suff'rings with his Breath expire , But let him prove th' Infernal Judges Ire ; Roll with false Sisyphus the mount'nous Stone , His Thirst , in Waves , with Tantalus , bemoan ; Tire all the Fables which the Poets feign , The Furies Lashes , and their Snakes , sustain ; Conscience , and ceaseless Torments , urging still , Till he does own the Venom of his Quill . Ep. 8. On Paula . Paula me oft to marry her does pray ; But she 's so old , I cannot her obey ; Yet were she older , I 'd not say her nay . Ep. 9. On Himself . Why dost thou envy Martial's being known For his smart Verse , abusive yet to none ? That Rome , the Provinces , extol his Name ? Celer , the Race-Horse , has a louder Fame . Ep. 10. To Paulus . When thou of Consular Rank think'st it no scorn An hundred to salute by early Morn ; What Office , Paulus , leav'st thou unto me , And to Rome's num'rous Throng of low Degree ? Who stoops himself , shall I call Lord and King ? Crutch to one acts the sawning Underling ? Shall I attend his Chair , who does not shun Others to bear , through thick and thin to run ? To praise Mens Verse , what boots it oft to rise , When thou , to shew Applause , dost not despise Always to stand , with hands stretch'd to the Skies . What shall mean Men do , Clients when no more ? If those are Great share Duties with the Poor ? Ep. 11. On Calliodorus . Of Theseus and Perithous thou dost prate , And dar'st thy self , with Pylades , to mate . May I not live , if Pylade's Hogs to keep Thou dost deserve , or Theseus Stable sweep . Yet a round Sum , thou say'st , ( to name no more , ) And sev'ral Gowns I 've given to Friends were Poor . Mart. But nought did Pylades to Orestes give , For both , in Common , did in all things live . Know that , thy narrow Soul ne'er knew before , Who gives , tho' much , does yet deny much more . Ep. 13. On Tucca. When none , like thee , in Riches does o'erflow , So much for Use , so much for Pride , can show , Such stately Houses , built for more Delight On the adjoyning Sea ; which thou mak'st white , When in the Waves , to bathe , thou dost descend , And Floods of Odours , in the Floods , dost spend . When Venus sleeps not on a softer Bed , Nor choicer Wines do steep God Bacchus head , Than crown thy Cup , and sparkle in thy Glass : Yet thou , forlorn , whole Days and Nights dost pass At a proud Strumpets Gate , know'st Sighs and Fears More than the Wretched , and dost weep more Tears , Why 't is so Ill with thee , would'st have me tell ? Because , fond Tucca , all things are so well . Ep. 14. On Crispus . Thou sayst , 'mong all my Friends , there 's not thy Peer . But how , that this is so , does it appear ? When I desir'd to borrow fifty Pound , Thou didst refuse , tho' Gold did so abound , Thy Chests could not contain it . When didst send A Present from thy Farm ? Or yet pretend T' impart a piece of Plate ? Or to bestow A Gown , to guard me from the Frost and Snow ? I cannot see in what my Friend thou art , But that , before me , thou dost freely F — Ep. 16. To Caius . If Promises , for Gifts , thou dost account , See , Caius , how in Gifts I thee surmount . Take all the Gold delv'd in Asturian Fields , The Wealthy Sand the Strand of Tagus yields , What e'er the Indians find of Yellow Oar , The Spices which the Phenix Nest do store . Tyre's richest Purple , All that All Men have , I give you , Caius , just as you me gave . Ep. 18. On Marius . Marius not Treats , nor yet does Presents send ; Surety will be for none , to none will lend : Crowds yet of Clients court this worthless Lord ; O Rome , what Fools do thy long Gowns afford ! Ep. 19. To Pliny . My Book not learn'd enough , enough severe , But yet not Rude , to fluent Pliny bear , Sportive Thalia . The Saburran way Pass'd , with short labour the next Hill you may Ascend : From whence , thou ( Orpheus set on high , Dash'd by the Theatre ) plainly shalt descry The wond'ring Beasts , the King of Birds and Air , Which the young Phrygian to the Thunder bears : There thy Friend Pedo's House stands also by , Shewing a lesser Eagle carv'd on high . But to learn'd Pliny , make not thy Address Wanton , but when Time suits for thy Access , He in severer Studies spends the Day , How he the Hundred Iudges best may sway : Studies , which ours , nor no Age , will forbear , With Tully's noblest Labours to compare . Thou 'lt safeli'st go , when it is Candle-light , This is the Hour , when Bacchus mads the Night ; When Odours reign , when Roses crown the Head , By rigid Cato then thou may'st be read . Ep. 20. To Marius . That in my Native Soil I long to be , The golden Sands of Spanish Salo see ; Thou , to whom Love from tender Years I bore , Honour'd , while yet thou the Praetexta wore , Art the chief cause : And yet a sweeter Air No Country yields , or may with Spain compare . But , wer 't with thee , I Scythia could enjoy , Nor would the Sands of Africk me annoy . If mutual Love thou bear'st , and a like Mind , Rome we shall both in ev'ry Climate find . Ep. 21. To Sextus . To write so darkly , what delight dost take , That the most Learned nought of it can make ? Thy Book * Claranus , nor * Modestus , can Expound , it needs Apollo , not a Man. But , thou being Judge , Cinna's obscurer Strain Excels the Sun-shine found in Maro's Vein . May'st so be prais'd ; whilst I am read with Ease , And both the Criticks , and no Criticks , please . Ep. 23. On Antonius Primus . Antonius , happy in a Calm Old Age , Of threescore Years compleat , has pass'd the Rage . Ponders the Times h 'as liv'd , his secur'd Years ; And Death , that 's marching on , he no way fears . There 's no Day grieves , or shames , him , that is gon ; None which with Gladness he reflects not on . A good Man's Age is doubled , Time twice o'er , He lives , who thus Enjoys his Life before . Ep. 25. On Scaevola , acted by a Criminal . Who Mutius acted on the Stages Sand , So promptly thrust into the Flame his Hand ; If brave and bold , for this thou him dost deem , Thy self , of some dull Clime , I must esteem : To save his Life by this means , was his case , 'T was braver far , to have refus'd the Grace . Ep. 27. On Diodorus . The Senate did thy Birth-day celebrate , Many Knights also at thy Table sate : Largess thou gav'st ; yet still thou' rt all Mens Scorn None will believe , that ever thou wert * born . Ep. 30. To Apollinaris . O Bay of Formia , temperate and fair ! Which , when Apollinaris tir'd with Care , Flies from the toilsom Business of the Town , Than pleasant Tybur holds in more Renown , His chast Wife's Soil : Prefers to th' sweet Recess Of Tusculane , Praeneste , Lucrine ; less Esteems Cajeta , or what Men more admire , Rais'd by their Fancy , or by Fiction , higher . A gentle Air here glides o'er Thetis Face , Such as the Fans of Virgins make , to chase Summers ungrateful Heat . The Sea is smooth , Not torpid dead , but a soft Gale does sooth The active Calm ; and painted Gallies move . For Fish you need not lanch into the Deep , These you may take , and yet your Chamber keep , Out at your Window cast your Line and Lead , And draw the dangling Prey up to your Bed. And when the Waves by Winter Winds arise , From your safe Board you may the Storm despise . Gardens no less , and fresh Springs Formia grace , Fountains are seen to flow in ev'ry place ; Fish-ponds the Stranger Trout and Mullet feed , The home-bred Pike , which call'd , does come wi 〈…〉 spe 〈…〉 Fat Carps here know their Names , and to you ma 〈…〉 And all a Pastime is , no pains , to take . But to the Owners when does Rome give leave , But a few days these Pleasures to receive ? Fruition's lost , while they to Business cleave . These Sweets , ( O Hinds and Gardners , happy Crue 〈…〉 Were for your Lords prepar'd , but are enjoy'd by yo 〈…〉 Ep. 31. On Calliodorus . Thy Servant thou for a great Sum didst sell , That but once , Callidore , thou might'st Fare well . Nor far'd'st thou well : A Mullet of four Pound Was the head Dish , which the whole Table crown ' 〈…〉 May we not , Wretch , exclaim 'gainst this thy Treat Say , 'T was a Man , not Fish , that thou didst eat . Ep. 33. To Munatius Gallus . Munatius Gallus more sincere by far 〈…〉 an Socrates , or ancient Sabins were : 〈…〉 may thy Wife 's chast Love inflame thy Heart , 〈…〉 nd from her Noble Stock may'st ne'er depart ; 〈…〉 when Black Rhimes defame the Age , or Men , 〈…〉 nd Malice would ascribe them to my Pen , 〈…〉 ou me acquit , and stoutly dost contend , 〈…〉 at way none write , who Wit and Fame befriend . ever in my Book have had the Care , ho' Vice I tax , the Persons still to spare . Ep. 35. On Sulpicia . All Virgins chaste Sulpicia read , 〈…〉 ho but in one Love wish to speed ; 〈…〉 ll Husbands chaste Sulpicia read , 〈…〉 ho hold one Wife the happi'st Meed . Medea's Rage she does not write , 〈…〉 estes horrid Feast recite ; 〈…〉 Scylla , or of Biblis , tell , 〈…〉 hat Transformations them befel ▪ Such Tales she seeks not to retrieve , Nor did she ever them believe . Her Verse of Pious Love does treat , Fraught with quick Wit , and choice Conceit . Who rightly of her Poems deem , Nothing more Sportive to them seem , Or which more Holy they esteem ! Such were the Joys , Divine and Sweet , When Numa did Egeria meet , And him the Goddess did inspire , To institute the Vestal Fire . Her School had she been trained in , Sappho more Chaste and Learn'd had been . Phaon , who Woman-kind did fly , Could not Sulpicia Love deny ; Her Graces known , he must be ta'en , And love her , tho' he lov'd in vain . For were she from Calenus free , Calenus the Beloved He , Apollo's Wife , nor Iove's , she 'd be . Ep. 39. On Lesbia . Old Lesbia swears , and to be borne , would fain Be thought , in Brutus Days , or Numa's Reign ; But lies in both : Her AEra we must fetch From Elder Times , unto Prometheus stretch . Who sees her foul cadav'rous Face , will say , Lo , the first Mortal that was made of Clay ! Ep. 43. On Philo. Thy Seventh Wife , Philo , 's bury'd in thy Field . No Land , than thine , a Richer Crop doth yield . Ep. 44. To Q. Ovidius . Quinctus Ovidius now resolv'd to see The Northern Britains , and the Ocean Sea , Charming Nomentum cannot him with-hold , His House and sweet Repose , altho' he 's Old. All do thy Faith deservedly commend , Which , in contempt of Life , thou shew'st thy Friend , While on his exil'd Steps thou dost attend . But tho' the Joys of Life thou thus delay , Thy Thread of Life the Parcae will not stay , But rig'rously impute to thee each day . Return at length , and at thy Home remain ; Nor 'mong thy Friends , to count thy self , disdain . Ep. 45. On his Malignant Reader . If in my Books ought sweet and gentle sound , Ought celebrating famous Acts is found , Witless thou deem'st , a dry Bone valu'st more , Than such choice Morsels of the noblest Boar. If Ranc'rous Spleen be thy belov'd Disease , My Candid Vein shall ne'er thy Malice please . Ep. 47. To Julius Martialis . What our Lives render most at ease , My dearest Martial , they are these : A'State that 's left , not got with Toil ; A constant Fire , a fruitful Soil ; A quiet Life , from Law-Suits free ; But seldom that the Gown doth see ; Ingenuous Strength , a Body sound ; Prudent Plainness , Friends equal found ; An artless Board , with easie Fare ; A Night not Drunk , yet void of Care ; A Bed not sowre , and yet that 's Chaste ; Sound Sleep , that makes Night seem to haste ; Nought else , but what thou art , to wish to be , The last Hour not to fear , or haste to see . Ep. 49. On Cotta . When rich Opimian Wine thy self dost quaff , Turn th'Amethystin Glasses often off , Thou vile Sabinum offer'st unto me , And say'st , Wilt drink in Gold ? To shew thou' rt free . Who cares ( thy Sordid Nature to unfold , ) For Leaden Wine , tho' in a Cup of Gold ? Ep. 51. To Faustinus . Now that the Vernal Constellations chase The Winters Rage , and Earth renews her Face ; Now the Fields smile , and Trees fresh Verdures take , And Philomel her charming ' Plaints does make ; What Days , what Joys , does Rome from thee with-hold ? What Ease from City Toyl , not to be told ? O Woods ! O Founts ! O Anxur's pleasant Strand ! Where rowling Waves wash o'er the glitt'ring Sand ; Where ev'n from Bed you divers Waters see , Here Boats on Rivers glide , there on the Sea. But some will urge , You do not here behold The Capitol , the Temples rich with Gold Embellish'd , which in Gorgeousness draw nigh , The Heav'ns they represent , and with them vye ; Rome's august Bathes , nor Theatres , are here , Her Grandure does not in the least appear . Before you , both Advantages , I lay , And now , I fancy , I do hear you say , As Men , when with Ill Wives they can't agree , Rome , * Take what 's thine , render what 's mine to me . Ep. 53. An Epitaph on Scorpus . I am that Scorpus , Glory of the Race , Rome's admir'd Joy , but Joy for a short space . Among the Dead , Fates early me enroll'd , Numb'ring my Conquests , they did think me old . Ep. 56. On Gallus . Gallus , thou 'd'st have me thee attend alway , To pass th' Aventine three , four times a day . Cascellius Remedies to th' Teeth applies , Heginus to all Evils of the Eyes , Fannius Defluctions of all sorts can stay , Eros the Scars of Branding clear away ; Hermes inveterate Ruptures will insure , Hast thou the Skill a broken State to cure ? Ep. 57. To Sextus . You 'd wont to send a Pound of Plate each Year , But half a Pound does now from you appear , And that of Spice . I buy not Spice so dear . Ep. 58. To Frontinianus . When I with thee near Baia was retir'd , Where all was easie , all to be admir'd ; And nothing did the sweet Recess annoy , O , how the Muses we did both enjoy ! Imperious Rome does my whole Life consume , To say a Day is mine , I can't presume . I' th' City , as in a rough Sea , I 'm toss'd , In fruitless Duties all my Time is lost . My barren Fields near Rome should give me Bread , Themselves in greater need are to be fed . But not alone those Love , who never spare , Both day and night , the Great ones Gates to wear ( A Toil unworthy of a Poets care ) By Sacred Muses , and the Gods above , When least Officious , I do truly Love. Ep. 59. On his Lazy and Nice Reader . If one sole Epigram takes up a Page , You turn it o'er , and will not there engage ; Consulting not its Worth , but your dear Ease ; And not what 's Good , but what is Short , does please . I serve a Feast with all the richest Fare The Market yields , for Tarts you only care . My Books not fram'd such liq'rish Guests to treat , But such as relish Bread , and solid Meat . Ep. 61. An Epitaph on Erotion . Erotion's early Ghost reposeth here , By Crime of Fates extinct in her sixth Year . Who after me is Owner of this Field , Grudge not the Dead th' annual Rites to yield : On all thou hast , so may good Fortune shine , And nought , beside this Stone , be sad that 's thi●e . Ep. 62. To School-masters . Masters of Schools , your tender Scholars spare , So may you many Noble have and Fair ; And the choice Crew , that crowns your Table round , In Numbers and in Love to you abound ; That no Professors , whosoe'er they be , A Circle , like to yours , may round them see . While burning Suns , the lengthen'd days , engage , The flaming Lion and the Dog-Star rage , Your Scepters fierce , the Ferula and Rod , ( Fear'd more by Children , than the rival'd God By * Marsyas was ) till Autumn comes , lay by ; The Season's Scourge enough , let all else dye . Children , in Summer Months , when fierce Heats reign , Is Health they keep , Learning enough obtain . Ep. 65. To Carmenion . When thou dost boast thy self of Corinth free , And none can this Pretence deny to thee ; Carmenion , unriddle by what Claim Thou call'st me Brother , that was born in Spain . So much do we resemble one the other , That 't is for Likeness thou may'st call me Brother ? Thou always comb'd and curl'd dost trimly go , My harsh unruly Hair no Laws will know ; Thy Skin with Oyntment's ever soft and sleek , Mine is o'ergrown with Bristles rough and thick ; In Lisping Speech thou greatly dost rejoyce , My Daughter speaks with a more Manly Voice ; A Dove more like an Eagle does appear , Than thou to me ; a Lion to a Deer . The name of Brother , prithee , then let fall , Unless thou would'st , I should thee Sister call . Ep. 66. On Theopompus . Who could so Cruel , who so Brutish be , For a Cook , Theopomp , to destine thee ? Could any Soil that Face so sweetly Fair ? Condemn to Soot and Grease that lovely Hair ? None worthier with the Chrystal Glass to stand , And praise the Wine with his more Chrystal Hand . For such a Fate , if beauteous Boys must look , Next News we hear ; Iove doats upon a Cook. Ep. 70. To Potitus . That scarce one Book I publish in a Year , Potitus , slothful I to thee appear : But more , that One I write , thou may'st admire , Considering how much Time does , lost , expire . At early Morn I give , the Great , Good day ; Next , to my own Affairs , some time I pay ; To Dian's Temple oft I 'm made to sp 〈…〉 To witness to a Will , or sign a Deed ; Then in the Courts of Law I 'm forc'd t' attend , I' th' Worship of the Gods some Time to spend ; And when a Poet does his Works recite , To give a day , is held a thing but light ; Nor can I this deny to those that Plead , To those on Rhetorick , and on Grammar read ; Congratulate I must each Friend's Success , Tho' I , on like account , ne'er knew Address ; Now harras'd out , at Even , 't is time to think Of my * Days Hire , to purchase Meat and Drink , To tend my self , towards the Bathes to look . What Time is here , Potitus , for a Book ? Ep. 72. On the Emperor Trajan . With worn-out Lips , in vain thou importun'st me , Miserable and discarded Flattery ; The Style of Lord and God none dare abuse , Among the Romans now no more in use . To Parthian Kings , from whence you came , repair , Where Kissings of the Feet exacted are . An Emperor we have , no God nor Lord ; A Senator , whose Justice , all accord None equals ; who plain Truth from Death has rais'd , 〈…〉 d for her Rustick Dress and Mein is prais'd . Rome , if thou' rt wise , under this Prince forbare Words , which in former Reigns so grateful were . Ep. 74. To Rome . Spare a tir'd Client , now at length , proud Rome : How long must I submit unto the Doom , To trot among the Daggled-Ushering-Train Of poorer Gown-men , Leaden Coin to gain ? While * Scorpus , in one Hour alone o' th' day ? Whole Bags of radiant Gold can bear away ? I do not ask the Merit of my Book , For Flocks in rich Apulian Pastures look ; For Glebes of Nile , or Hybla's Honey Fields , Or yet the Gen'rous Wines Setinus yields . What is 't , dost then require , which me would please ? To sleep my fill , and pass my days in Ease . Ep. 75. On Galla. Galla , times past , ask'd me an hundred Pound : And 't was not much , where such a Form was found . After one Year , Fifty was her Demand : Methought , she now was at a dearer hand . Some time laps'd : Says she , Twenty you 'll bestow ? Ten I shall gladly : But she answer'd , No. Two or three Months , I know not which , pass'd more : Then she ask'd Nobles , and of them , but four , And I refus'd . Well , send a hundred Pence : But this seem'd then too much , and I went thence , She next , my poor dry Sportula did crave . Good truth , said I , that to my Boy I gave . Was 't possible , that she should lower go ? Yes : Gratis she offer'd , and I said , No. Ep. 76. On Mevius . Does this thing , Fortune , equal seem to thee , That one not from a Syrian late set free , Or from a Slave , hoist to a Knight's Degree , But of Rome born , of Romulus own Race , Just , Friendly , Good , in Wit to none gives place , Learn'd in both Tongues , whose Crime is only this , ( But 't is a great One ) He a Poet is ; Should shiver in a Garment poor and old , While a vile Jocky branches it in Gold ? Ep. 79. On Torquatus and Otacilius . Torquatus goodly Mansion strikes the Eye Four Miles from Rome ; just to the Town as nigh , A petty Farm did Otacilius buy . A Bath , of various Marbles , rarely wrought , Torquatus built ; straight Otacilius bought , For like employ , a Tub and Kettle . When Torquatus Ranks of Laurels set : Thou then A hundred Nuts didst Otacilius sow , Supposing like Magnificence to show . Torquatus Consul ; Beadle of his Ward , The other thought himself as great a Lord. What Fables of the Ox and Frog relate , At last will prove poor Otacilius Fate . Ep. 80. On Eros . Eros drops Tears , when-e'er he does behold , Fair Jewels , Pictures , Antick Works of Gold ; Sighs from his Heart , that home he cannot bear , What e'er the Shops expose of glorious Ware. How many do the same , but make no show ? Laugh at such Tears , and yet the same Grief know . Ep. 82. To Gallus . If my Vexation cou'd thy State amend , Morning , nay Mid-night , gown'd , I 'd thee attend ; The shrill and piercing North Winds blasts I 'd bear , Break through deep Snows , no stormy Season fear : But when these Toiles make thee not one Doit more Happy , which to th' Ingenious are so sore ; To a tir'd Friend remit such Labours vain , Which thee no Profit bring , but me much Pain . Ep. 89. On the Statue of Juno . Thy Iuno , Polyclet , ( most matchless Piece ! ) May well contest the proudest Hand of Greece . Had but the Goddess shone with such a Grace In Ida , both her Rivals had given place . Tho' his own Iuno , Iove did ne'er approve , Before his brightest Strumpets thine he 'd love . Ep. 96. To Avitus . That I so often talk of Remote Lands , My native Salo Thirst , and Tagus Sands ; The Plenty of a homely Farm desire , And yet grow Old in Rome , thou dost admire . That Place , Avitus , most does please , in which A little Wealth both Riots , and makes Rich. The barren Field must here be ever fed , Which there , Untill'd , will give the Owner Bread. The Niggard Fire scarce warms the Chimny here , The bounteous Blaze there the whole House does cheer . Here Hunger's dear , the Shambles all confound , Thy Table 's loaden there from thine own Ground . Four Gowns a Year are here consum'd , and more , There one will serve , to rub out the whole four . Go then , the Great adore : What they deny , Thy Field alone , Avitus , will supply . Ep. 100. To the Stealer of his Verses . Why dost thou mix my Verses , Fool , with thine ; What has thy jarring Strain to do with mine ? Why dost thou yoke the Lion , and the Ass ? Seek to make Owls , for noble Eagles , pass ? Had'st thou , fond Sot , swift Ladas Foot , for one , The other Wood , in vain it were to run . LIB . XI . Ep. 4. To his Book . NOT only those at Ease my Verses love , And the more Civiliz'd my Muse approve : But the rough Soldier does my Leaves o'erlook , 'Mongst Snows and Martial Ensigns reads my Book . The Britains too are said , my Verse to sing . But what does this unto my Coffers bring ? What living Numbers from my Quill would flow ! What Blasts would my Pierian Trumpet blow ! If as Augustus now again does reign . I also a Mecenas could obtain . Ep. 5. To Nerva . The Phrygian Gods and Sacred Rites to save , Up to the Flames the Trojan Hero gave Troy's Wealth ; Iove , Iuno , whom we now behold , With Pallas , first engrav'd in purest Gold , And Ianus , who records the happy day Of Numa's Reign . To all I Pious pray , The Senate may be safe , the Princes Throne , By his Example all may live , he by his own . Ep. 6. In praise of Nerva . Thy love of Right and Justice , Caesar , 's more Than Numa's was , and Numa yet was poor . 'T is rare , when Riches cannot taint the Mind , In Croesus Wealth , a Numa's Soul to find . If our old Romans of Renowned Name , ( Dispens'd with in Elizium ) hither came , Camillus , thee t' obey , would think it free ; Fabricius would take Gold , if giv'n by thee ; In such a King , Brutus would take delight ; Sylla , to thee , resign th' Imperial Right ; Caesar and Pompey , private Men would live ; And Crassus his lov'd Treasure to thee give ; Cato himself , if Fates would set him free , Return'd to Earth , would a Caesarean be . Ep. 7. To Rome . While Saturn's Feast and jovial days remain , In which good Chear , Mirth , and Dice only reign ; To sport in looser Verse , I do presume Thou dost permit , Sacred Indulgent Rome . The Goddess smil'd , which spoke her free Consent . Be far remov'd from hence pale Discontent , My Muse produce Verse of a sprightly Air , Which flow without Solicitude and Care ; Crown both my Head and Cups Attendant Boy , As Nero's were , when he 'd himself enjoy : But fill them oft'ner , fill them to the Brim , I can do nought , unless in Wine I swim : The Wit of many will in me be found , If I with their Enjoyments do abound . Rome , if Catullus Plenty thou'lt bestow , I 'll frame a Verse his Sparrow shall out-go . Ep. 14. An Epitaph on Paris the Player . Who passes the Flaminian way , At this Innobled Marble stay . The City's Darling , Egypt's Wit , Who Art and Grace the best did hit , And Mirth unto all Humours fit . The Grief , the Glory , of Rome's Stage , The Love , the Beauty , of the Age , Do here entomb'd with Paris lye , And did with him together dye . Ep. 18. To Sabinus . Not all my Verse for Nights loose Hours are writ , Many you 'll find the sober Morning fit . Ep. 19. To Lupus . A Farm thou gav'st me joyning to the Town , My Window holds one of much more renown . This a Farm call you ? Is 't a Farm d' you say ? A Tuft of Rue , Diana's Grove you may As well suppose . For what you will 't may pass ; Spice it assords , as much as Herbs or Grass . A Pismire in one day would eat it bare , An Earwig starve out-right for want of Fare : In it a Violet cannot blow and spread , Much less a Mushrome raise his spacious head ; A Cucumber lye straight upon the ground , A Snake conceal it self from being found . A single Mole both digs and plows the Soil , A wretched Mouse does all lay waste and spoil ; And by my Hinde 't is apprehended more , Than Calydonia fear'd th' enraged Boar. All that the yearly Harvest does afford , A Swallow in her little Nest may hoard , Bear the whole Income in her Claw or Bill , Nor will my Vintage a pitch'd Nut-shell fill . Mistaken words thy deed of Gift do frame , What 's but a Mole-hill , Mounts and Meadows name . Ep. 25. To Labullus . While I attend thy steps early and late , Afford an Ear unto thy idle Prate , Applaud what-e'er by thee is done , or said , How many Exc'lent Verses might be made ? This thou account'st no Loss ; altho' that Rome Reads them with Joy , far Nations bear them home ; Knights and Patricians make them their Delight , Lawyers admire , and Poets also spight . And can I this digest ? That for thy sake , Only thy Train more Numerous to make , My Books shou'd fewer be ? So to engage , That scarce in thirty days I write one Page ? But thus it is , for Cheer , when Poets rome , And will not be content to Sup at home . Ep. 28. To Flaccus . Thou' rt Iron , Flaccus , if to such a Dame , Who begs vile Gifts , thou can'st keep up a Flame ; Cow-heels does ask , Tripes , Sprats , and Scraps of Fish , And a whole Pompion , holds too much , to wish : To whom her Maid , joyful t' have got , does pour Cheap Pulse , which greedily she does devour : And when she 's bold , and will all shame depose , Begs Yarn enough to knit a pair of Hos● . My Wench Perfumes exacts , both Rich and Rare , Rubies and Pearls , and those must also Pair ; Choice Naples Silk , with her , will only pass , An hundred Crowns in Gold , she begs , like Brass . Give I such Gifts , dost say , a Miss to please ? No : But I 'd have her Merit such as these . Ep. 30. On an old wanton Lady . When with Caresses thou would'st me excite , All Virile Pow'r thou dost extinguish quite : For when thou call'st me Love , thy Life , and Dear , The Surfeit I digest not in a Year . These were due Arts , when thou wert Young and Fair , Thou dost not know what aged Toyings are . I give thee Martial , say , Ten thousand Pound , My Mannor House , with all the Fertile Ground ; I give thee Iewels , Plate , whole Caves of Wine . These , without Love tricks , do to Love incline . Ep. 33. On Nestor . When not a Pan of Coals , a rotten Bed , A Mat thou hast , whereon to lay thy Head , A Coat , a Boy , a Child , a bare-bon'd Jade , A Dog , a Dish , towards the Beggars Trade : Yet Nestor thou affect'st , Poor to be said , And 'mong the People tax'd , and have a Head. Th' aspir'st in vain unto such high Esteem . Who Nothing has , a Rogue , not Poor , we deem . Ep. 35. On Aper . I' th' House thou 'st bought , none but an Owl will dwell , So dark , so streight , so ruinous , the Cell . But Maro's splendid Villa is hard by , Here trimly thou wilt eat , tho' sordid lye . Ep. 36. On Fabullus . When thou invit'st a Crowd , and Strangers all , Wonder'st I come not also at thy Call ? A Crowd to me , and Solitude , are one , And I , Fabullus , never Sup alone . Ep. 38. On Zoilus . Why Zoilus dost thou bury , not enfold , A Di'mond spark in a whole pound of Gold ? When late a Slave , this Ring thy Leg might wear , But such a weight thy Finger cannot bear . Ep. 40. On Charidemus . Thou rock'd'st my Cradle , when I was a Child , My Tutor were 't in my young Years and wild : But now my Beard the Barbers Cloth does stain , And all I Kiss of my rough Beard complain , To thee alone I yet a Boy appear , Whose soureness my whole Family do fear ; To Love , or Game , are not allow'd to me , Ty'd up in all , but all to thee are free ; Thou chid'st , thou griev'st , thou fiercely dost complain , From using of a Rod can'st scarce refrain , If I anoint my Head , in Purple go , But cry'st aloud , His Father ne'er did so ; Frowning thou counts my Cups , as if the Wine Came not from my own Sellar , but from thine . Thus to be Slave , and Cato too , forbare , That I write Man , thy Daughter can declare . Ep. 45. On one Old and Childless . Now thou art Childless , Rich , 'bove measure Old , The Love profess'd to thee , sincere dost hold ? True Love I have found . Yes , when Young and Poor ; Who love thee now , do love thy Death much more . Ep. 53. To Julius . Trimly to Sup , Iulius , I thee invite : If better be not offer'd , come to Night . We 'll bathe together , at six a Clock be here , Nero's Baths , to my House , you know , are near . Melons and Figs , for Ante-past , I 'll serve , Other Regalio's , which are deem'd to have The grateful Properties Health to preserve , And quicken Appetite . If you ask , What more ? I 'll lye , to make you come . Oysters , Wild Boar , Choice fatted Fowl ta'en from the Coop or Pens , Those nobler yet , that range the Woods and Fens : Such as ev'n Stella rarely does afford , Tho' altogether Princely is his Board . I 'll promise more , no Verses I 'll recite , To hear yours read , I 'll dedicate the Night , Your Giants War , your Art of Tilling Fields , Which not in Worth t' immortal Virgil's yields . Ep. 54. On Claudia Rufina . Claudia Rufina's Birth while Britain claims , Her frame of Mind excels the Latian Dames ; So Graceful Fair , her , Roman Matrons deem , Their Lucrece ; Greeks , their Helen , her esteem . And such a fruitful Off-spring she has brought , When marry'd , will a Colony be thought . His Faith may Pudens to no other plight , And in his Children she alone delight . Ep. 56. To Urbicus . Lupus , to be a Father , counsels thee ; Believe him not , there 's nought he less wou'd see . One Art of Cheating's to perswade Men to What they detest of all things they shou'd do . To say she 's big , but with thy Wife prevail , Lupus , like one that breeds , will look more pale . Take my advice , if me a Friend you deem ; Die so to him , you may a * Father seem . Ep. 57. On Cheremon . That Death thou so immod'rately dost praise , Thou hop'st in all Astonishment to raise . This Courage a crack'd Pitcher does inspire , A Chimny cold , without a spark of Fire ; A Couch , with Straw and Vermin , only dight , A curtal thread-bare Coat , for Day and Night . How Great a Man art thou , can'st bid farewel To Brown-bread Crusts , Wine Lees , a nasty Cell ? Go to : Let now thy Bed be strutting full Of softest Down , thy Blankets Scarlet Wool ; Let her lye by thee , Graces so the Feasts , And more than all the Wine , inflames the Guests . Oh , how thou 'dst wish , thou mightst live Nestor's years ! How ev'ry Minute lost , thou'dst count with Tears ! In a Poor State , their Lives , Men eas'ly give ; He 's held the Bravest then , that dares to live . Ep. 58. To Severus . That I invite , and Verses to thee send , Wonder'st , Severus , Rich and Learned Friend ? Iove , sated with Ambrosia still doth live ; Yet Wine and Frankincense to Iove we give . If , with Abundance full , thou dost reject , Such as thou hast , there 's nought thou can'st accept . Ep. 60. On Charinus . Charinus Fingers with Rings loaden are , Which in the very Bath he still does wear , Nor puts them off at night : D' ye wonder why ? They 're borrow'd , and he dares not lay them by . Ep. 66. On Justinus . Iustin , upon thy Solemn Birth-day Feast , No fewer than six hundred were thy Guest : Among the which , times past , I had the Grace , To hold , unenvy'd , no inferior place : But now , to th' Reliques of the second day , If so I like , to be thy Guest I may . Unto six hundred born , to day , then be , To morrow first thou shalt be born to me . Ep. 67. On Vacerra . Thou art a Slanderer and Delator , False Dealer , Pimp , and Fornicator : Where such rare Parts and Trades are Found , I wonder much , thy Purse does not abound . Ep. 68. On Maro . Thou nought on me , while living , wilt bestow , But All , when thou descend'st to Shades below . Thou dot'st , if , what I wish , thou dost not know . Ep. 69. To Matho . From greatest Men thou dost small things require , Who yet comply not with thy Low Desire . The less to blush , to greater things aspire . Ep. 70. On the Bitch Lydia . I trained was , by Masters of the Game , I' th' Field no Hound more fierce , i' th' House more tame ; Lydia my Name , my Owner 's right Hand held , Erigones Dog , not me , in Faith excell'd , Nor Lelaps yet , for whose great Truth 't is told , By Iove , among the Stars , he was enroll'd . Like * Argus a long Life I did not spend In Sloth , by useless Age brought to my End : But the fierce Tusks of an enraged Boar , Like that of Calydon , my Entrails tore . Nor of my early Death do I complain , A nobler Fate I could no way sustain . Ep. 72. On Leda . To her old Husband Leda made her moan , That her Hysterick Fits were helpless grown : And that her Life , no hope there was , to save , Unless her Honour , for her Life , she gave . But Sighing then , and drown'd in Tears , she said , Than that way cur'd , 't were better to be dead . The old Man begg'd , that she her Life would spare , And of her youthful Years have tender Care : Said , He 'd give leave that others might supply , What Age in him did to her help deny . Straight young and able Doctors Leda knew , Were sent for ; and the Women all withdrew ▪ They laid her gently on her Bed , for cure . Ah Cruel Help , says she , that I endure . Ep. 77. To Petus . To pay ten Pound I owe , you press me sore , 'Cause other ways y 'ave lost two hundred more ▪ Let not the Crimes , hurt me , of other Men : If thou can'st lose two Hundred , Pardon Ten. Ep. 85. On Antiochus . Who loves his Life , and seeks not yet to dye , Antiochus , the Barber , let him fly . The Phrygian Priests not so remorseless launce Their Flesh , as he , in their inspired Dance ; Surgeons , their Patients , less in Blood embrue , When from them Limbs , like Carpenters , they hew , He 's only fit to trim a Horses Mane , Or else some Stoick , who contemns all Pain . Prometheus , the Rock , would chuse to have , The Vulture gnaw his Heart , than feel him shave ; Pentheus would sooner to Agave fly , Orpheus to th' Menades , tho' sure to dye , Than twice Antiochus's Razor try . The Scars you see upon my martyr'd Face , Which worse than Wrinkles of Old Age disgrace ; Not one my froward Wife 's curs'd Nails did tear , But he whose Hands , less than his Irons , spare . The Goat , of all the Creatures , is most wise , Who wearing's Beard , Antiochus may despise . Ep. 87. On Parthenopeus . To ease thy Throat , and thy rough Cough asswage , Honey's prescrib'd , 'gainst its impetuous Rage , Pasteels , Marchpanes , and all such Knacks , whereby Children are still'd , when they do fiercely cry : But yet these , day or night , thy Cough appease . Hast thou a Cold , or Liquorish Disease ? Ep. 92. An Epitaph on Canace . AEolian Canace here entomb'd doth lye , Who , in her early Flow'r of Age , did dye . O Sad and Cruel Chance ! Thy Tears restrain , Of her Untimely Death we don't complain ; But what 's more Tragick yet , our Eyes deplore ; The Manner of her Death , than Death was more , An horrid Cancer seiz'd her lovely Face , Devour'd and poyson'd all her youthful Grace ; Spar'd not her rosie Mouth , Love's Seat of Bliss , But eat the Lips , that ravish'd with each Kiss . This dire Disease we justly curse and blame , That left but half her Face to th'Fun'ral Flame . If with such winged speed Fate needs must come , Why yet so barb'rous and severe the Doom ? Her charming Speech Death hasted to suspend , Left rigid Gods , mov'd by her Words , should bend . Ep. 93. On Zoilus . Zoilus , he ly'd , who said , Thou Vicious wert : When not Vicious , but Vice it self , thou art . Ep. 94. On Theodore , an ill Poet. Flames , Theodore's Pierian Roofs , did seize . Can this Apollo , this the Muses , please ? O over-sight of Gods ! O dire Disaster ! To burn the harmless House , and spare the Master . Ep. 99. To Bassus . Those Kiss in Rome , no means there is to shun , They meet you , stop you , after you they run , Press you before , behind , to each side cleave , No Place , no Time , no Men , exempted leave ; A dropping Nose , salv'd Lips , can none reprieve , Gangrenes , foul running Sores , any relieve ; They Kiss those Sweat , and those that shake with Cold , Lovers , their Mistress last Kiss , cannot hold ; A Chair is no defence , with Curtains guarded , With Door and Windows shut , and closely warded , The Kissers , through a Chink , will find a way , Presume the Tribune , Consul's self to stay ; Nor can the awful Rods , or Lictor's Mace , His stounding Voice away these Kissers chace , But they 'll ascend the Rostra , Curule Chair , The Judges kiss , while they give Sentence there . Those Laugh they kiss , and those that Sigh and Weep ; Those that do Yawn , and those that are asleep ; Those who do bathe , and recreate at the Pool , Who are withdrawn , to ease themselves at Stool . Against this Plague , I know no Fence , but this , Make him thy Friend , whom thou abhorr'st to kiss . Ep. 101. To Flaccus . Her , I by no means fancy , who does bring A Body , to b'encompass'd with my Ring ; Who , when she 's naked , grates ; whose Rump's a Spear ; Hipps , Saws ; whose Knees , as Gaul-traps , I may fear . Corpulence , as much the other way , annoys : Flesh I approve , but Fat my Stomach cloys . Ep. 103. On Lydia . He ly'd not , Lydia , who pronounc'd thee Fair , For Flesh and Blood , none may with thee compare . This is most true , while thou dost Silent stand , Like some Rare Piece of a great Master's Hand . But when thou speak'st , ev'n such thy Beauty 's gon , And their own Tongue none ever so did wrong . Let not the AEdile hear thee Silence break : It is a Portent , if an Image speak . Ep. 109. To his Reader . With my long Book , thou well may'st glutted be , Yet thou more Epigrams exact'st of me : But Lupus calls for Use , Servants for Pay , Discharge them Reader . Now thou 'st nought to say , Dissemblest , as my words thou cou'd'st not spell . No Riddle thou' rt to me , Reader , Farewell . LIB . XII . Ep. 4. To Priscus . WHAT unto Flaccus , and to Maro thee Mecenas was of Royal Pedigree ; Most Noble Priscus , That thou art to me . Which loudest Fame , and my long-living Verse , Unto all Times and Nations shall rehearse . For th' Name I have , and Wit , I owe thee both , Whose Bounty does maintain my Learned Sloth . EP. 6. On Nerva . Now God's mild Nerva to the Empire give , Unto the Muses we may wholly live . Clemency , wary Pow'r , and Faith upright , Possess the Throne , and put all Fear to flight ; Thus pray the Nations , Rome , and Pious Throng , Their Prince may still be such , and this Prince long . Enlarge those Virtues we so rare do see , Which Numa's , or else Cato's pleas'd might be . Bestow , enrich , the poor Man's Stock extend , What Gods scarce give , let thy free Bounty send . 'T is lawful now , and safe ; but then thou durst , Ev'n in a wicked Reign and Age , be Just. Ep. 8. In praise of Trajan . Queen of the Nations , Rome , that has no Peer , ( Whom none does equal , none approaches near ) Lately with Joy computing Trajan's Years , The Ages she shou'd pass , and know no Fears ; As she so fam'd a Captain did behold , And yet a Soldier Stout , Young , Martial , Bold , Proud of her Prince , thus vauntingly she spoke , Parthians , Britains , submit unto my Yoke ; Thracians , Scythians , I 've a Caesar now , Come pay your Tribute , to my Eagles bow . Ep. 9. On the same . Now Gracious Caesar , Palma rules our Spain , Peace , long a Stranger , has restor'd again : We Thanks return thee for so great a Grace , That thine own Vertues thou 'mongst us dost place . Ep. 10. On Affricanus . Affrican Millions has , and yet does groan , Fortune can give too much , enough to none . Ep. 11. To Parthenius . All Health to my and thy Parthenius bring , My Muse ; for who in the Aonian Spring E'er deeper drank ? From the Pimplean Cave , Whose Harp a sweeter nobler Sound e'er gave ? Who of th' inspired and immortal Quire , Does Phoebus self more love or more admire ? Request when he the Prince does vacant know , ( which hardly can be hop'd ) my Book to show , With these few words my humble Verse to speed , This Man , dread Caesar , all thy Rome does read . Ep. 13. To Auctus . To make a Gain of Anger , rich Men know . 'T is cheaper to be Angry , than bestow . Ep. 14. To Priscus . To ride so rashly , I advise , forbare , In pursuit , Priscus , of a paultry Hare ; The Hunter by his Game has oft been flain , Cast from his Horse , his Back cou'd ne'er re-gain ; The Fields are treach'rous , tho' no Hedge or Stone , No Ditch appear , plain Ground destroys alone . Examples want not of the thing I say , Less Causes have produc'd a fatal Day . If gen'rous Dangers only thee delight , 'T were nobler to engage the Boar in fight . With running speed thou lov'st to venture wreck , Likelier than catch the Hare , to break thy Horse's neck . Ep. 15. To Trajan the Emperor . What-e'er the Palace late did splendid shew , Now to the Gods is given , and publick view . Iove , in his Temple , does the Cups admire , Whose Gold and Jewels flash like Flames of Fire : Astonish'd , former Princes Pride , to see , Such their stupendious matchless Luxury ! To Iove alone belong Vessels so rare , The Phrygian Boy , such radiant Cups to bear . With Gods we now do all in Wealth abound , Poverty scarce , among the Mean , is found : I shame , I shame to say , how heretofore , Together with the Gods , we all were Poor . Ep. 17. On Lentinus . Lentinus , that thy Feaver does remain So many days , thou sadly dost complain . It bathes with thee , 't is carry'd in thy Chair , Eats Oysters with thee , Mushroms , Ven'son , Hare ; And drunk with noblest Wines 't is often made , Nor do these please , if not with Snow allay'd ; With Roses crown'd , it sumptuously does feast , And in a purple downy Bed takes rest . While it with thee does fare so rich and well , Think'st thou , with poor starv'd Dama it will dwell ? Ep. 18. To Juvenal . While restless thou Saburras noisy Street Dost tread , or passing oft with weary Feet , Mak'st even a Path up to Diana's Hill , A Clients toilsome Duties to fulfil ; Or Sweating in thy waving Gown , the less And greater Coelius puts thee to distress ; My native Biblis , rich in Steel and Gold , A Rustick of her Town has me enroll'd : Here with sweet Labour , causes no annoy , I Platea and Boterdus both enjoy . These are the course rude names of Towns in Spain , Where after thirty Winters spent in pain , And waking Morns in Rome , I rest regain . Such stintless and profound Repose I take , That the ninth hour can hardly me awake . A Gown is here unknown ; some tatter'd Weed , On my demand , is given me in its stead . A blazing Fire receives me , when I rise , Which neighbouring Woods abundantly supplies ; The which my Country Maid with Pots besets , Against my Huntsman comes with loaded Nets ; ●o trim a Youth , and 'bove the common strain , As may seduce Diana's Virgin Train . My Bayliff begs the Boys may cut their Hair , That in some useful Labour they may share , Their pains , as under growth , not still deny . Thus I delight to live , and thus to die . Ep. 21. On Marcella . Who can , Marcella , thee suppose to be Of Spanish Birth , and our rough Salo free ? So choice , so sweetly grac'd , that at first sight , The Palace challenge may in thee a Right . Not one in the Suburra can compare With thee , or who boasts yet a courtlier Air. Were other Beauties from the Nations sought , None would a Latian Dame , like thee , be thought . Thou mak'st the City's loss easie to be : For thou alone art Rome , and more to me . Ep. 25. On Thelesinus . Money thou 'st none , without Pawn ; but at hand , If for Security I 'll ' gage my Land. What thou'lt not trust to me , thy ancient Friend , To Trees and Mole-hills thou' rt content to lend . Lo , the Delator , Wretch , impeaches thee , Call now unto thy Patronage a Tree : Exil'd , thou want'st a Friend with thee to go , Can'st make a Field Companion of thy Woe ? Ep. 26. On an Unjust Friend . ▪ Cause thou , at early Morn , the Great dost see , And tread their Courts , thy self of Lords Degree , 〈…〉 , but a Knight , seem slothful unto thee , That , at first day , abroad I do not roam , To bring , when tir'd , a thousand Kisses home . What thou dost do , 's a Consulship to gain , Or else some wealthy Province to obtain . 〈…〉 whom , to break my Sleep , thou dost require , And patiently to brook the Mornings Mire , What get I , when my Toes break out a Door Thro' my torn Shooe , and Clouds fierce Show'rs down pour , And not a Servant have , dry Clothes to bring , ●ut while benum'd and drown'd you may me wring , ●etorius sends to call me to a Treat ? ●e't ne'er so Rich , 't were better never eat . A Province is thy Lot , a Meal is mine , My Toyl's the same , but not my Gain , with thine . Ep. 30. On Aper . Aper 's a Sober Man. What 's this to me ? A Slave I so commend , a Friend that 's free . Ep. 32. On Vacerra . O Jest and Shame of such as Housholds move , When Iuly comes , and do new Dwellings prove ! I saw thy Stuff , Vacer , thy Stuff I saw , Which , for thy Rent , not seized on by Law , Thy Landlord rather glad , such Trash to spare , Thy red-fac'd Wife , with sev'n red Hairs , did bear , Help'd by thy Giant Sister , and thy Mother ; Men thought the Furies there were got together ; For such their Number was , and such their Faces , That Pluto seem'd t' have lent thee his three Graces . The Irus of thy Age , thou these didst follow , Thy Skin , like season'd Box , distain'd and yellow ; With Cold and Hunger , also dry'd and parch'd : All Beggars-Bush , the People thought , had march'd . A two-legg'd Table , and a three-legg'd Bed There went ; a Pan with Fire , on thine own Head. A Sconce and Goblet all of massy Horn , A Jordan , it self Pissing , as 't was bor'n ; Stale Sprats and Pilchards could not be conceal'd , Their obscene Scent , their Presence there reveal'd . Nor did there want to go in State with these , A Cantle of unsav'ry Tholose Cheese ; A Wisp of Penyroyal , four Years old ; A Rope , which Onions had , but pick'd , and bald ; A Pot of Turpentine , thy Mother's Care , The Brothel Dames with such , fetch off their Hair. Why mock'st thou Landlords , and dost Houses see , When Gratis , Vacer ▪ may thy Dwelling be ? Such Pomp of Goods , such Houshold-Stuff pertains To High-ways , Hedges , Bridges , and to Lanes . Ep. 34. To Julius Martialis . Thirty four Years , I take it , thou and I , Iulius , have kept each other company , In which some Jars , with much content , did meet ; But yet the greatest part was ever sweet ; And should I mark the days with black and white Stones , most would be the Number of the bright . If in thy Life much Anguish thou'dst avoid , With griping Pangs not have thy Heart annoy'd , Wed thy self too much to the love of none , Less thou wilt Joy , but less thou'lt also Groan . Ep. 35. On Callistratus . That thou may'st seem more freely to converse , Some past Venerial Crimes thou dost confess : But yet in this thou dost not clearly deal , Who tells such Faults , yet fouler does conceal . Ep. 36. On Labullus . That none , but thou , does in these days extend A pinching Gift , unto a needy Friend , Think not for this , thou' rt Noble . No ? How then ? Only the Best , among the Worst of Men. In bounteous Acts the Seneca's restore , The Piso's ; but then , those of heretofore ; Else 'mong the Good , thou 'lt hold the Lowest Place . Would'st thou contend in swiftness of the Race ? * Passerin , and fleet * Tiger , then o'erpass , It is no Glory to out-run an Ass. Ep. 40. On Pontilianus . Ill Verses dost thou make ? I them admire . Dost drink ? I the Debauch do carry higher . Dost lye ? Assent I give . Dost Fart ? I 'm mum . Gam'st thou ? I am content to be o'ercome . One thing thou dost alone , I must confess , Which not to name , my Kindness does express , Will 't nought for all return ? Thou answer'st , Ay , In my last Will. I ask no more , but dye . Ep. 44. To Marcus Ubicus . We both in Name and Blood allyed are , And to like Studies , like Affection bear : Thy Brothers Verse when , thine , thou set'st before , Thy Art 's not less , but Piety is more : When thee Corinna , Lesbia wou'd admire , Equal to those they did themselves inspire : When , if thou 'd'st spread thy Wings , a brisker Air , And loftier Numbers none e'er higher bear : Thou flag'st thy Plumes , restrain'st thy soaring Vein , And shew'st thy self a Brother here again . Ep. 46. To Classicus . Zoilus and Gallus for their Poems had Great Sums . Who says , That Poets now are Mad ? Ep. 48. To a Sumptuous Treater . If Thrush and Boar you serve , as common Meat , Not as my Highest Wish , I take your Treat : But if you think me Bless'd , would have me write You down my Heir , for Oysters ; then good Night . Treat . The Supper yet is rare . Mart. No doubt most rare , But what , to morrow , will be this day's Fare ? Nay , within one hour ? The unhappy Broom And Mop can best declare , whose wretched Doom It is to know ; or else some Jakes or Sink , Or hungry Dog , that ridd away the Stink . And then , with your high Meats w' are sure to meet A Jaundice Colour , and Gout-torturing Feet . Minerva's Feast I weigh not at that rate , Nor Iove's set out with greater Pomp and State. Should Gods impute their Nectar unto me , Vile , as the Lees of Vinegar , 't would be . For your Choice Meats some other Guest then find , Who suits a proud Board with a servile Mind : T' extemp'ry Meals let a Friend me invite , That Treat does like me best , I can requite . Ep. 50. On one that had a Gay Horse . Th' ast Groves of Choicest Trees , Bathes more than one , But , for more State , which serve to thee alone ; Thy Portico's , on Columns high , do soar , The trampled Onyx glisters on thy Floor ; The winged Chariots praise thy sandy Race ; The murm'ring Founts run waste in ev'ry place ; Large are thy Courts , and Spacious is thy Hall ; But Place , to eat or sleep , th' ast none at all , Of useful Rooms I can no Story tell . How rarely , we may say , thou dost not Dwell ! Ep. 51. On Fabullus . Wonder'st , Fabullus oft deceiv'd , to see ? A Good Man will , a Novice , ever be . Ep. 53. To Sparsus . Why to the Country I so oft retire , A rude and barren Farm , if you enquire ? The Town , no place for Rest , or Thoughts , does leave The Mean ; School-boys i' th' Morn our Sleeps bereave , The Bakers Mills at Night , and the whole Day The Braziers and the Coyners Hammers play ; Hemp beaters their dull Thumpings never cease , Nor Mars's raving Priests e'er hold their peace ; Pity to move , the Wreck'd , forc'd Voices use , As , by their Mothers taught , do begging Iews ; The loud Vociferations not to tell , Of those that Brooms and Brimstone-matches sell ; The clam'rous Factors of such viler Ware , Care to be heard , but not whose Ears they tare . When that the Moon 's eclips'd , you may as well The Tinklings of the Pans and Kettles tell , The Tintamars , when Witches her molest , As count the various Dins the Town infest . Sparsus , you know not this , nor can it know , So much you to your Princely Mannor owe , Which seated on a sweet and pleasant Plain , Ev'n Solitude of Mountains does disdain ; Where you the Country , in the Town , enjoy , Vinerons in the depth of Rome , employ ; Nor in Campania does the noblest Hill Yield richer Wines , than those your Vessels fill . What is there Useful or Delightful found , But in your Lordly Precinct does abound ? Your profound Sleeps , troubles from nought , receive , The Day is not admitted , without leave . But wretched we , those thro the Streets that walk , Awake , while they but only Laugh or Talk. All Rome is by our Couch : When Rest I 'd take , To Bed I go not , but a Journy make . Ep. 54. On Zoilus . Thy Eyes squint , Foot 's short , Beard 's black , and Hair's red , 'T is strange , if also Good , Zoilus , thou can'st be said . Ep. 56. On Polycarmus . Th' art ten times sick , or oft'ner , in a Year , Which makes thy Friends , not thee , of a sad Cheer ; Who , for thy new Health , still new Gifts must send . Sicken , for shame at last , and make an end . Ep. 61. On Sabellus . Upon thy Birth-day pale and sad thou art , For fear the Cooks should fail to play their Part ; Or that the Ladies want Snow for their Wine , Or rightly in the Glass it should not shine ; Th' art mostly from the Board , the Guests to cheer , Or whisper fond Excuses in their Ear ; And find'st not , thou art Starv'd , ( which is the Jest ) At thine own Splendid and Voluptuous Feast . What Frenzy 's this , of thine own Choice to do , What ev'n a Slave would not submit unto ? All else , but thee , partake the Day 's Delight ; But thou dost need , th' Invited thee invite . Sit down , indulge thy Soul , the Guests all pray . Is this thy Birth , or Execution , Day ? Ep. 62. On Ligurra . Least my ne'er Dying Verse 'gainst thee I bend , Thou much , Ligurra , seem'st to apprehend ; And worthy of this Danger would'st appear : In vain thou actest this Vain-glorious Fear . Lybian Lions with fierce Bulls engage , Spend not on Butterflies their Nobler Rage . If thou'dst be Talk'd of , which to thee is Fame , From some Red-lattice Poet seek a Name . Such who on Walls with Chalk and Charcoal write , Fit Verses to be read , by those that Sh — Thy Forehead is too base for me to brand , I 'll Stigmatize , by holding of my Hand . Ep. 64. To Corduba . Corduba , for rare Oyl , so much renown'd , Thy Jarrs , 'bove the Venufrian may be crown'd ; Whose Wool , the soft Galesian does excel , And of it , greater Glories we can tell : By Nature , of a glitt'ring Red , 't is dy'd , It 's shining Tincture 's not by Art bely'd . A Poet too thou hast ( as all things Rare ) Whose Impudence with any may compare , To steal my Verse , bid him , for shame , forbare . Unless himself did boast a Nobler Vein , And I , by stealing too , might Glory gain . A barren Poet , that does nought bring forth , Or what 's the same , that which is Nothing worth : Like him , puts out your Eye , whose own are blind , Requital ne'er can make you in like kind . A needy Thief , to rob all bare , is sure . A bad Poet , from being rob'd , 's secure . Ep. 66. On Phyllis . When I with love of lovely Phyllis burn'd , And she with mutual flames , my flames return'd ; To make the Fair a Present I resolv'd , Odours , and Jewels , in my thoughts revolv'd ; She me prevented with an amorous Kiss , Such as soft Doves , when mated , make their Bliss , And said , my Dear , Much for my Love you owe , A Cask of richest Wine on me bestow . Ep. 69. To his Clients . For thy sake , early Client , I did fly The City ; th' Ambitious with Visits ply : I am no Advocate , nor made for Strife , But , old and slow , love a Poetick Life ; Seek Sleep and Leasure , which great Towns deny , And here not found , back unto Rome I 'll hie . Ep. 70. On Paullus . Thy Friends , Paullus , just unto thee relate , Like to some famous Works in Paint or Plate : Thy Honour 't is , such Pieces to retain , But in Return they receive nought again . Ep. 71. On Aper . Aper yet Poor , serv'd by a Stump-foot Slave , A One-Ey'd Trot , who sate his Clothes to save While in the Bath he stay'd ; anointed by A bursten Wretch , with cheap Oyl , sparingly ; 'Gainst those debauch'd i' th' Bath , none was heard there So loud in their Reproofs , and so severe . The Cups , he said , o' th' Rich that went about , Ought to be broke , and their choice Wine pour'd out ▪ But after greater Wealth to him did flow , He from the Bath did never Sober go . O , how boss'd Cups , and Plenty can avail ! Aper , who n'er did thirst , now n'er to thirst does fail . Ep. 73. On a Lawyer turn'd Farmer . Some Acres , and a House ready to fall , You purchas'd have , joyning the Tombs o' th' Gaul ; Deserted your rich Fields , the Courts of Law , The certain Gains a tatter'd Gown did draw ; While yet a Pleader , Corn and Pulse you sold , But buy all these , since you a Farm did hold . Ep. 78. On Ethon . While Ethon , in 's Fane , Bacchus did salute Erect on tip-toe , his Tail was not mute Amidst his Orisons : which , tho the rest There present , laugh'd at , Bacchus made no Jest : But his irrev'rent Votary did doom , Three Nights , without Reprieve , to Sup at home . After this Mulct , poor Ethon did not dare , To th' Temple , for Devotion , to repair ; But first to Cloacinas Shrine he went , To give his slatulent Bowels frequent Vent . Which Caution tho he ever did retain , With Buttocks hard comprest , he enter'd still the Fane . Ep. 81. To his Maid . I 've given you many things , on your desire , Much more than I agreed for in your Hire : And yet you never cease to ask me more : Should I grant all , you would be thought my Whore. Ep. 82. On Callistratus . Thou praisest All , to make thy Candor known : But who All praises , truly praises None . Ep. 84. On Menogenes . In and about the Bath , shift-off none can Menogenes , by any Art of Man. Both with the right and left Hand he can take The swetted Trigon , and resemblance make , As caught by you ; take up , when it does fall , ( Tho' bath'd and dress'd ) the dusty Batoon-ball . Your Towels , he 'll with driven Snow compare , Tho' sordider than Infants Clouts they are : And when a Comb does your few Hairs compose , Achilles , swear , his Locks did so dispose . Himself will wipe the Sweat from off your Face , Esteem no Servile Office a disgrace : All things admire or praise , till overcome With Flatteries , you say , To Supper come . Ep. 89. On Cotta . Twice to have lost thy Shoes , thou dost complain , While that a negligent Slave thou didst retain , And he thy whole Retinue , and thy Train . Wise on thy Loss , and Crafty thou didst grow , And to avoid being often choused so , Thou after bare-foot didst to Supper go . Ep. 92. On Maro . Maro , for 's aged Friend , sorely opprest With Sickness , thus in 's hearing did protest . If the Sick Man escapes the Shades below , On Jove a thankful Off ring I 'll bestow . Good hopes , from thence , the Doctors 'gan to have , Maro new Vows now makes , his first to save . Ep. 94. To Priscus . What Man I 'd be , thou often dost demand , ●ere I made Rich and Potent out of hand ? ●hink'st thou Men know their Minds in ev'ry State ? ●hat Lion then , wert one , would'st b● ? Relate . Ep. 96. On Tucca. Heroicks , tho begun , I did decline , ●nwilling that my Verse shou'd clash with thine ; ●ut did my Muse i' th' Tragick-strain engage , ●ere , buskin'd strait , thou met'st me on the Stage ; Next place , I tun'd the Strings upon the Lyre , ●hen to Pindaric-Odes thou didst aspire ; ●n this , I Satyrs did betake me to , ●hou labour'dst then Lucilius to out-do ; ●weet flowing Elegies , I prov'd to write , ●ut these , 'bove all the rest , were thy Delight ; ●ower to stoop , I Epigrams did frame , Nor stuck'st thou here to emulate my Fame . Pitch on some Way , with One to me dispence , ●o grasp at All , 's not Wit , but Impudence . Ep. 100. He wishes Jnst. Rufus an Happ● Government . Betis , with Olive Garlands deck thy Hair , Who makes the Flocks all Golden Fleeces bear ; To Bacchus , Pallas , and to Neptune dear , For Wine , for Oyl , for Traffick without Peer . May Rufus , in his Charge , successful be , His Year , like that is pass'd , be lov'd by thee . That Macer he succeeds , he 's well aware , Who knows his Burden , best the Weight can bear . Ep. 102. To Mattus . Who , when thou knock'st , denies at Home to be Says this , I am not now at Home to thee . Ep. 103. To Milo. Milo , thou various Goods dost set to Sale , Which those that buy , to bear away , ne'er fail ; Thy Wife is better Ware , who often sold , Stays with the Seller , and is still good Gold. LIB . IV. Epigr. 91. To his Book . OH , 't is enough , it is enough , my Book , Upon the utmost Page thou now dost look ; ●ould'st thou swell further yet ? Yet larger be ? ●ot leave thy Paragraphs and Margins free ? 〈…〉 if to some known Period thou didst tend , ●hen ev'ry Epigram may be thy End. ●●eader and Printer tir'd , no more can brook , 〈…〉 is time thy Self pronounce the Last Line strook , 〈…〉 't is Enough , Oh , 't is Enough , my Book . Dido's Speech on the Funeral Pile , after Virg THe Queen on dire Resolves now furious be 〈…〉 Rowling her Blood-shot Eyes , her Tresses re 〈…〉 Gastly , and wan her Face , from Death fore-seen , Rush'd forth into the Court with Frantick Mien , Mounted the Pile , AEneas Fauchion drew , ( Not lest , alas , for that which did ensue ) Survey'd the Illian Robes , the well-known Bed. O'er whelmed then with Tears , she couch'd her Hea● And labouring Thoughts ; rose , and these last word said * Sweet Pledge , while Jove and Destines gave leave , At once of Life me and of Love bereave . I 've liv'd ; absolv'd the Course Gods did assign , Th' Illustrious Figure , I here made , resign . This goodly Town , from the first Stone , I laid ; Punish'd the Traytor that my Lord betray'd ; My Iustice , Prudence , have to all approv'd , Fear'd by my Neighbours , by my Subjects lov'd . Oh happy ! and thrice happy had I been , Had the Dardanian Prince my Coasts ne'er seen ! Here stop'd again with Grief a little space , Upon the Bed she grovell'd on her Face , Then big with high Disdain , she thus did cry , Must I then scorn'd and unrevenged dye ? Yes , dye I must , she said , even so , even so , Submit unto the Shades beneath to go : And let the Fun'ral Flames of me thus slain , Glut the false Trojans Eyes upon the Main ; Pursue his Ships , and a Sad Omen be , Where-e'er he sails , of a worse Destiny . Having thus spoke , those that attended stood , Beheld her Fall , and all o'erflow'd with Blood. A sudden shreik they sent up to the Sky , Straight , to th'appaled Town , the News did fly , Outcries and Wailings there did all confound , The Air , the Earth , the dismal Notes resound , As Carthage had been Sack'd , or ancient Tyre , The Houses , Temples , Walls , involv'd in Fire . Hor. l. 1. Ode 19. Paraphrased . BEauty , Wine , and Leasure , Sway my Heart to Pleasure ; And Loves laid aside , Are by these again reviv'd . Glycera , more dazling bright , Than Parian Marbles glitt'ring white , So pure , so sleek , no mortal wight , Upon her Face can stay his sight . Her charming Coyness blows my Flame And mads the Fire , which it would tame . All that Venus is , and Fair , In her Form presented are ; Cyprus naked , dispossess'd , The Goddess rages in my Breast ; My Soul o'er powers with Love and Wonder , As Iove did Semele with Flames and Thunder ! Distracted with such wond'rous Glory , I cannot sing the Scythians Story ; Nor in accustom'd numbers write , The Parthians , who when flying fight ; No , nor sing ought , but Great Loves Might . Haste then , a fresh and springing Turf prepare , Here scatter Vervins , Boys and Odours there , Pour out the Goblet of the two years Wine , The Queen of Love propitious to incline , And Radiant Glycera more gentle shall be mine . Lib. 1. Ode 28. Paraphrased . CLOE , bashful , timerous , shy , Like the stray'd Fawn , away does fly , Wildly hasting to recover , Through pathless ways , its lost Mother . Starts at ev'ry Leaf and Bush , If but a Lizard through them rush ; The Wind , the Air , the smallest thing , The soft approaches of the Spring , Scare and affright , as they come on , And she alarm'd , strait is gon : When nothing's near her to surprize , She trembles at her own surmise . As th' Heart and Knees do pant and go , Of this little frighted Doe ; Such is Cloes great Distress , At the gentlest Love Address . Why , Fair One , not thy Life to take , Such eager Pursuit do I make : Then cast aside thy Causeless Pain , Thou only kill'st , and I am slain . Grown now to Age , exchange thy Childish Shame , A Mothers Dandlings , for a Lovers Flame . Hor. l. 3. Ode 9. Hor. WHile lovely I appear'd to thee , Nor more wish'd Arms , whatever He , About thy Snowy Neck could fling , I flourish'd more than Persias King. Lyd. While more thou burn'd'st not with another Dame , Nor Lydia , prized after Cloe came , I Peerless Lydia then , and of Great Name , Out-shon the Roman Ilia in my Fame . Hor. Now Thracian Cloe my Heart sways , Deep skill'd in Musicks charming Lays ; For whom I would not fear to dy , Might I prevent her Destiny . Lyd. Mutual Love in equal Bonds does ty , Calis , Ornithus beauteous Son and I , For whom , without Regret , ev'n twice I 'd dy , So Gods would spare my Lov'd Boy 's Destiny . Hor. But say again thy Beautys wound , And in Eternal Chains I am bound ; If fair-tress'd Cloe I forsake , And Lydia my sole Goddess make ? Lyd. Tho brighter than a Star my Calis be , And than a Cork , more floating , I know thee ; Storming beside , and raging like the Seas , With thee no Life , no Death would me displease . An Ep. out of Catullus . MY Farm is not expos'd to Northern Winds , Nor yet annoiance from the Eastern finds ; The scortching Blasts o' th' South do not molest , Or the impetuous Tempests of the West : But 't is expos'd to a more boist'rous Rage , More than a Thousand Pounds my Land engage . Oh , ruffling Winds , destructive pest'lent Aire ! Both Farm and Farmer up by th' Roots you tare . Seven Epigrams after Ausonius . On Venus arm'd . WHen Venus clad in Armes , Pallas did see , Now to contend , she said , I challenge thee , And let thy minion Paris Umpire be . Venus reply'd , Arm'd dar'st thou me despise , Who from thee naked bore away the Prize ? Pall. Nor of the Vict'ry wilt tho ever fail , If thou can'st winn't , by shewing of thy Ta — On Diogenes . A Scrip , a Staff , a Mantle , and a Cup , Summ'd all the Richs of the Cynic up : But when from 's Hand he saw One Water sup ; Avant , he cry'd , henceforth superfluous Cup. On Niobe . WHat now you see a Rock , a Queen was late , Who , when I prosp'rous was , durt violate Latonas Sacred Deity and Race , My self above her , in her Temple place : Of twice seven Goodly Off-spring being prov'd , I would by all a Goddess be allow'd . My num'rous Issu in one hour she slew , All I brought-forth , I on the Beer did view : Nor thus appeas'd , ( Of Humane shape bereft ) She me incrusted in cold Marble left ; And tho' my Vitals lost , my Grief I keep , My Childrens death eternally I weep . Ah , ceasless Rage , which Heavenly Brests retain ! The Mother's dead , and yet her Griefs remain . On the Statue of Niobe . THO' Marble now , I formerly did live ; This seeming Life Praxiteles did give ; My Form , my Limbs , my Majesty restore , Excepting Sense , all that I was before ! Yet 'twixt these Beings little is the Odds , Small Sense I shew'd , when I defy'd the Gods. On the Statue of Rufus the Rhetoritian . THIS Piece does Rufus rarely hit , 'T is Speechless , Brainless , void of Wit : The Stone yet one thing does not show , His Wanton Softness make us know . On Faustulus the Dwarf . FAust'us presum'd a Grashopper to ride , And thought he did an Elephant bestride ; The skittish Insect cast the Over-bold , Which laughter mov'd in all that did behold . The Gallant Elf , sprung from the ground , and cry'd , What is it , Env'ous , that you thus deride ? What in my brave Adventure do you see , But 's common both to Phaeton , and Me ? Eccho . FOND Painter , Why to me a Face do'st lend ? To make me subject to the Eye contend ? None my Myster'ous Deity er'e saw , Much less my Figure durst attempt to draw . Daughter of Tongue and Aire , a Voice , I am , Speeches that utter , from no Mind that came But others Words I catch , as they decline , And mocking them reherse with ' like of mine . My sole Existence in the Ear is found , Who will my Likeness paint , must paint the Sound . After Sannazarius , preferring Venice before Rome WHen Neptune , i' th' Adriatic , Venice saw Amid'st the Waves , giving to Seas the Law ▪ Now Iove , says he , bost thy Tarpeian Towers , The Walls of Rome , it s other Martial Powers : As Seas of Tyber , Venice has the odds Of Rome ; Rome work of Men ; but Venice of the Gods ! On St. Peter's being at Rome ; after Owen . THat Peter e'er saw Rome , some do decry , That Simon did , there 's no Man does deny . Why the Husband wears Horns ; after Owen . WHen 't is the Wife that wrongs the Marri'ge-Bed , Why wears the Husband Horns ? 'Cause he 's the Head. Ep. 1. By Dr. Tho. Locky . In filium Reginae natum post alterius abortum . QUOD Lucina t●os prius est frustrata labores , Nec fortunante● praebuit illa manus , Regina ignoscas : uno m●●imine ventris Non potuit Princeps a● tria regna dare . English'd . That thy first Labour unsuccessful prov'd , And by thy Vows Lucina was not mov'd , Great Queen forgive ; thy Womb could not bestow , A Prince to rule three Kingdoms with one throw . Ep. 2. By Dr. Tho. Locky . In Caroli primi Regis filium quinto-genitum . O Quam densa tuo surgunt fulcimina sceptro ! Sic gignunt inopes , sic peperere casae : Rara sub augustis , numerosa puerpera , plumis , Flere hae , stantem uterum & sceptra caduca , solent . Ante Deus dederat dotes tibi Principis omnes , Dat tibi nunc etiam , quae bona Plebis erant . English'd . How thick the Props to thy bless'd Scepter grow ! So Poor Men get , Cottages bring forth so : A num'rous Issu's rare to th' Royal Bed , A failing Line 's here mourn'd , a Womb that 's dead . All to a Prince belong'd , Heaven gave before , And now it gives the Blessings of the Poor . Ep. 3. By Dr. Tho. Locky . Carolus primo Variolis , sed leviter , tinctus . QUAE toties orbasque domos vicosque reliquit , Innumeras laetho stravit & exequias : Quae parcens , pejus saevit ; pro corpore , linquens Ulcus ; quae toties abstulit Ora lues . En tibi furtivos , a tergo , vix dedit ictus ; Et sacra vix lambit pectora plaga levis . O quantum placuisti ! ut Coelo es , Carole , cordi ! Si dum caedit , amat ; si tibi ira savet . English'd . That dire Disease ▪ which on the Bier does lay Corps without number , sweeps whole Towns away Where 't spares , is most severe ; the Form bereaves , And the whole Body but one Ulcer leaves : Scarce , on the Back o' th' King , by stealth one sore Did fix , passing his Sacred Body o'er . O Charles ! thou' rt dear to Heaven , thou' rt much its care Whom , when it strikes , it loves ; when wounds , doe● spare Ep. 4. By Dr. Tho. Locky . 〈…〉 honoratissimi Domini Gulielmi Killigraei . Regiae Vi-Camerarii praeclarum & inculpatissimum Drama , Selindra , praeconium . QUOD prudens tua , quòd modesta Musa Vitavit petulantiora Scenae , ●ec lenocinium joci procacis Quod falso Ingenium student vocari ) ●um risum movet , exuit pudorem ; 〈…〉 culpata tua at sonant Theatra , Quod Virgo proba , quod stolata Mater , Quod purus , positâ severitate , 〈…〉 m post pulpita perlegat Sacerdos ; Quod jurat tibi nullus Histrionum , aut , 〈…〉 so Numine , quaeritur venustas ; 〈…〉 ec constat Populo tuum Poema 〈…〉 pensis animae suae , & crumenae ; Quod ( sermone humili urbium relicto 〈…〉 rnis sordidulis & Institori ) 〈…〉 nam nobilis aulicumque spiras , ●ignum Caesaris aure , cum requirens 〈…〉 mmas Imperii levare curas ; Vult ut desipiat duabus horis . Has Dotes reputo tuas secundas ; Sed , quod cum veniunt ad Implicat● , Cum Scaena haereat , & quod impeditae Desperant animi Exitum Fabellae , Qua Vates veteres Iovem vocabant Ad partes , poterit Throno ut crepante Narrare ambigui dolos Theatri , Atque ( ut Vincula Gordiana quondam Pellaeus Iuvenis ) molesta tollunt Insulso gladio . Undique plaga , Tu , per nescio quam modo citatam Ex nota tibi Plebe passionum ( Ut quodam noviter reflante Vento ) Convertes alio , novisque tota Compages Operis rotis movetur , Neglectis Superisque Inferisque , Per curam facilem domesticamque Affectum proprio è sinu petitum Salvas attonitos & haesitantes ! Hanc Artem tibi , Killigraei , solus Tu posces , dubii hanc Strophen Theatri . The foregoing Verses English'd . THat thy wise and modest Muse Flys the Stages looser Use , Not Baudry , Wit , does falsly name , And to move Laughter ; puts off shame ; That thy Theaters loud Noise , May be Virgins chast Applause ; And the stol'd Matron , grave Divine , Their Lectures done , may tend to thine ; That no Actor's made profane , To debase God , to raise thy Strain ; And People forc'd , that hear thy Play , They Money and their Souls to pay ; That thou leav'st affected Phrase , To the Shops to use and praise , And breath'st a Noble Courtly Vein , Such as may Caesar entertain , When he , weari'd , would lay down , The Burdens that attend a Crown , Disband his Soul's severer Powers , In Mirth and Ease dissolve two Hours . These are thy inferior Arts , These I call thy Second Parts : But when thou carry'st on the Plot , And all are lost i' th' subtile Knot , When the Scene sticks to ev'ry Thought , And can to no Event be brought ; When thus of old , the Plot betray'd , Poets call'd God's unto their aid , Who , by Power , might do the thing , Art could to no Issue bring : As the Pelean Prince , that broke With a rude and boisterous stroke . The prophetick Gordian Noose , Which his Skill could not unloose . Thou do'st a Nobler Art profess , And the coyl'd Serpent can'st no less Stretch out from ev'ry twisted fold , In which he lay inwove and roll'd ▪ Induce a Night , and then a Day ; Wrap all in Clouds , and then display Th' easie and the even Design , A Plot , without a God , Divine . ●et others bold pretending Pens Write Acts of Gods , that know not Mens : In this to thee all must resign , Th' Intrigue o' th' Scene is wholy thine . In Regem . TRes olim Insignes cicrum tria munera belli , Praereliquis valunt , tollere Fama , Duces . ●yrrhus castra locat ; Fabius cunctator ; & Audax Hostem Marcellus cominùs ense ferit ; ●u Scis castra locare ; Morari ; hostemque ferire Rex Gilielme ; Trium quod fuit Unus habes . On King William . FAme does exalt , above all others far , Three Great Commanders , for three Arts in War ; ●yrrhus for 'th ' Camp ; Fabius for wise Delay ; ●arcellus brave i' th' Charge and bloody Fray. ●illiam , thou know'st t' incamp , to Fight , forbare , ●xcell'st in what , these three Great Men did share . In Mortem Reginae . DUm Regina subit , Constanti pectore , Mortem , Opprimit immodicus Te Gulielme , Dolor . Foemina , Virque animos , jam , commutasse videntur , Cor habet hic tenerae Conjugis , illa Ducis . On the Queens Death . THE Queen , her Death , with Constancy receiv'd ; Her Loss the King well-nigh of Life bereav'd ; How Nature each exchang'd , 't was rare to see ; She seem'd the Hero , the Soft Lady He. FINIS . ERRATA . PAge 7. Verse 5. r ▪ ad Giving to each impartially their due . p. 29. v 8. for And r. Thou . p. 51. v. 5 r. It chanc'd , &c. p. 52. v. 8. r. from the Moths , not thee . p. 62. v. 9. r. or a stray . p. 70. v. 15. for Head r. heed . p. 78. v. 14. r. fat Geese . p. 109. v. 10. for bids r. bade . p. 121. v. 8. for Aim r. claim . p. 157. v. 8. for shews r. Shooes . p. 163. v. 13. for did r. does . p. 165. v. 8. for thou r. you . p. 175. v. r. to his Muse. p. 181. v. 11. for Altars r. Altar . p. 192. v. 6. for the r. a. p. 193. v. 13. for were r. where . p. 218. v. 4. for ill bred r. ill fed . p. 225. v. 5. for If r. And. p. 253. v. 7. r. Verses of sprightly . p. 267. v. 11. for or r. nor . p. 287. v. 16. dele also . p. 293. v. 14. for ●atoon r. Balloon . p. 299. v. 11. for attended r. attending . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A52102-e1310 * The first Design was so . Notes for div A52102-e3720 * Condemn'd to be kill'd in the Theatre . Notes for div A52102-e6880 * A proverbial Expression for Censoriousness . * Two famous Mimicks . * Two famous Mimicks . * Two famous Jessers in those Days . * Two famous Jessers in those Days . * Cato * Who art so notoriously Vicious . Notes for div A52102-e16340 * These were all places of great Resort in Rome . * These were all places of great Resort in Rome . * These were all places of great Resort in Rome . * That is , kill him : To Sup with the Gods was a Phrase among the He ▪ then , to be Dead . * A Name used proverbially for any Physician . Notes for div A52102-e23770 * Scaevola . * The Emperour ordered that instead of the Sportula ( which was a kind of Dole ) Clients should be invited to Supper , but the Rich Men were so sordid , that they eat of one sort of Meat themselves , and gave another to their Clients . Notes for div A52102-e31830 * Rich as a Fidler of that Name . * A Poem so call'd . * Cleopatra . * Wholesome and unwholesome Places are alike . * Wholesome and unwholesome Places are alike . * The Emperors two Favourites . * The Emperors two Favourites . Notes for div A52102-e39660 * As 't is said in these Days with a Teagish Simplicity . * Bothdead before Erotion . * Where was a Statue of Hercules . * An Infamous Pimp . Notes for div A52102-e48030 * By reviving an old Law against Adultery . * i. e. A Vital Quality , or kind of Immortal Soul in the Compages of it , like that in the Body of a Man. * The Courtesans liv'd there . * Two Physicians . * Two Physicians . Notes for div A52102-e61890 * That is , Infant Wine , new , and naught . * The Benefit given to such as had Three Children , which the Emperor sometimes in favour gave to those that had none . * The Constellation Leo. * Virgil. * Mecenas , * A rich Wine . * That is , Equal the best Epigrammatist . * The Name of the Temple . Notes for div A52102-e69940 * i. e. The old monstrous Poetick Fable of Gorgons , Centaurs , &c. * Blind Men. * Stage-Players were so called . * Hannibal . * Confess , thou art Mad. Notes for div A52102-e77470 * Two great Criticks . * Two great Criticks . * A base upstart Person of an unknown Descent , was stil'd , A Son of th 〈…〉 Earth . * These were the form of Words used in Divorces . * Marsyas was so scourg'd by Apollo , that he was fabled to be flay'd alive * Sportula . * A Chariot-driver . Notes for div A52102-e87190 * That is , Give him nothing . That is , Never either to present , or own thee . * Ulysses Dog. Notes for div A52102-e93940 * Two Famous Race-Horses . * Two Famous Race-Horses . Notes for div A52102-e102040 * Taking up the Sword.