Odes 2.4 (Gladstone): Ne Sit Ancillae

Court a handmaid, Xanthias Phoceus?
'Tis no shame at all.
Slave Briseis tamed Achilles,
Proud before his fall.

Kingly Telamonian Ajax
Slave Tecmessa moved;
And Atrides, in mid triumph,
Captive virgin loved;

When before the Phthian hero
Trojan squadrons fled,
Wearied Greece an easier conquest
Found with Hector dead.

Who can tell? Wed auburn Phyllis;
Rich may be your kin:
Could she know her royal stock, and
Kind Penates win!

No, the girl is not descended
From the rascal crowd:
Loyal, clear of greed, she surely
Owns a mother proud.

Arms, and face, and tapering ankles
Unreproached I gauge.
Who suspects me? Eight my lustres,
And my shield, mine age.