Odes 3.9 (Creech): Donec Gratus Eram

WHilst I was welcome to your Heart,
In which no happier Youth had part,
And full of more prevailing Charms
Threw round your neck his dearer Arms;
I flourisht richer, and more blest
Than the great Monarch of the East.

Whilst all thy Soul with me was fill'd,
Nor Lydia did to Chloe yield,
Lydia the celebrated Name,
The only Theme of Verse and Fame,
I flourisht more than she renown'd
Whose Godlike Son our Rome did found:

Me Chloe now, whom every Muse
And every Grace adorn, subdues;
For whom I'de gladly die to save
Her dearer Beautys from the Grave:

Me lovely Calais doth fire
With mutual flames of fierce desire,
For whom I twice would die to save
His Youth more precious from the Grave:

What if our former Loves return
And our first fires again should burn,
If Chloe's banisht to make way
For the forsaken Lydia?

Tho He is shining as a Star,
Constant, and Kind as he is Fair;
Though light as Cork, rough as the Sea,
Yet I would Live, would Die with Thee