Odes 2.5 (Gladstone): Nondum Subacta

Her neck beneath the yoke to set,
Or draw joint burdens in a pair,
Thine heifer is not ripe, nor yet
The massive bull's embrace to bear.

Her heart is in the grassy mead;
With summer, in the streams she drops
O'erjoyed the sportive calves to lead
In play beside the willow copse.

Pluck not the grapes while still they grow;
In time will Autumn's warmth select
The bunches, and thy vineyard show
In deep and paler purples decked.

She'll woo thee soon. What ages thee
Will ripen her. 'Tis passing now
The saucy time: and Lalage
Shall court a mate, with hardy brow.

Loved more than changeful Pholoe,
Or Chloris with the shoulder white:
Fair as, reflected from the sea,
The nightly moon; as Gyges bright,

Who if he stood the girls among,
The sharpest eye could scarce discern
What locks were o'er the bosom flung,
What features, boy's or maiden's, learn.