Epistles 1.13 (Creech): Ut Proficiscentem

ASI advis'd you oft before you went,
I beg Thee Vinnius now my Books present
To Caesar, Seal'd; when vexing Cares are fled,
If well, if merry, if he asks to read:
Lest over-busie in thy kind designs,
You chose ill hours, and make him hate my lines:
But if the Pack shall pinch Thee throw it down,
Refuse to bear it, and the weight disown,
Rather than having past the tedious Road,
Thy Saddle shake, and strive to cast the Load;
And thus make good thy Father's Ancient Name,
Be Ass indeed, a publick talk and shame:
With all thy strength o're Lakes and Mountains run,
And when those Streights are past you reach the Town,
Take heed, and what you bring disclose to none:
Be shy, and cautious, nor my Books proclaim,
Nor bear them as a Rustick would a Lamb:
Under thy Arm, as if thy hands were full,
As drunken Pythia carries pilfer'd Wool:
As when invited to his Landlord's house,
A Country Tenant bears his Hat and Shoes:
Proclaim not that you sweat those Lines to bear,
Which will detain Great Caesar's Eyes and Ear;
Make all the hast my eager Wish requires,
Farewell, take heed you Answer my desires.