Odes 1.9 (Creech): Vides Ut Alta

SEE how the Hills are white with Snow,
The Seas are rough, the Woods are tost,
The Trees beneath their burthen bow,
And purling streams are bound in frost.

Dissolve the Cold with noble Wine,
Dear Friend, and make a rouzing fire,
'Gainst Cold without, and Care within,
Let both with equal force conspire.

With all things else, come, trust the Gods,
Who when they shall a calm restore,
And still the storms that toss the floods;
Old Oaks, and Ashes shake no more.

All Cares, and Fears are fond and vain,
Fly vexing thoughts of dark to-morrow;
What Chance scores up, count perfect gain,
And banish business, banish sorrow.

Whilst Thou art green, and gay, and Young,
E're dull Age comes, and strength decays,
Let mirth, and humor, dance, and song
Be all the trouble of thy days.

The Court, the Mall, the Park, and Stage,
With eager thoughts of Love pursue;
Gay Evening whispers fit thy Age,
And be to Assignation true.

Now Love to hear the hiding Maid,
Whom Youth hath fir'd, and Beauty charms
By her own tittering laugh betray'd,
And forc'd into her Lover's Arms.

Go dally with thy wanton Miss,
And from the Willing seeming Coy,
Or force a Ring, or steal a Kiss;
For Age will come, and then farewel to joy.