Odes 1.32 (Creech): Poscimur

IF underneath a Myrtle shade,
When free from Business, I have play'd
What may this year, and more command;
Begin, sweet Harp, a Roman strain,
Those Measures and those Tunes maintain
First struck by great Alcerus noble Hand.

He fierce in Arms, yet mid'st his Cares,
When Dangers press't, and noisy Wars,
And stain'd his charming Harp with Blood;
Or when He stem'd the angry Seas,
Or when arriv'd He sate at ease,
And laught at all the Fury of the Flood:

The Muses He in sounding Verse
Would Sing, and Venus Praise reherse,
With her attending wanton Boy:
Or Lyco's Face surprizing fair,
With lovely Eyes, and Auborn Hair,
By Nature fitted to entice to Joy.

Great Phoebus Glory, Phoebus Love,
And welcome to the Feasts of Jove;
Thou great Reliever of my Care;
When e're I beg thy Aid, attend;
Assist the Verses of thy Friend,
And tune my Songs for Mighty Caesar's Ear.