Epodes 13 (Creech): Horrida Tempestas

DArk Clouds have thickned all the Sky,
And Jove descends in Rain;
With frightful noise rough Storms do fly
Thro Seas and Woods, and humble Plain.

My noble Friends the Day perswades,
Come, come, let's use the Day;
Whilst we are strong, e're Age invades,
Let Mirth our coming years delay:

Put briskly round the noble Wine,
And leave the rest to Fate,
Jove, chance, will make the Evening shine,
And bring it to a clearer State:

Now, now your fragrant Odors spread,
Your merry Harps prepare;
'Tis time to cleanse my aking Head,
And purge my drooping thoughts from Care.

Thus Chiron sang in lofty strain
And taught Achilles Youth;
Great Thetis Son, the pride of Man,
Observe, I tell Thee fatal truth:

Thee, Thee for Troy the Gods design
Where Simois streams do play,
Scamander's thro the Vallies twine
And softly eat their easy way:

And there thy thread of Life must end
Drawn o're the Trojan Plain,
In vain her Waves shall Thetis send
To bear Thee back to Greece again:

Therefore, Great Son, my Precepts hear;
Let Mirth, and Wine, and Sport,
And merry Talk divert thy Care,
And make Life pleasant since 'tis short.