Odes 2.8 (Gladstone): Ulla Si Juris

Hadst thou but once, Barine, borne
A penalty for vows forsworn,
One tooth less white, or, seen to fail
One single nail,

I might believe. But, more and more,
Just when thy tongue most falsely swore,
Our youth are slaves, thy beauty rare
A public care.

Thy mother's ashes; night's dumb sky;
The gods, that never chill, nor die;
Whole heaven; it answers, if on all,
Thou falsely call.

Venus, nay Nymphs untainted, smile;
And cruel Cupid, glad the while,
Heats, on his whetstone red with gore,
His arrowy store.

Our youth grows up, by thee enthralled,
A bondage new: none, once installed,
Will godless madam's chambers quit,
Though threatening it.

Old thrifty fathers woe betide!
And mothers; and the new-made bride,
Lest thou forbid, when husbands roam,
The journey home.