Odes 3.9 (Gladstone): Donec Gratus Eram

While no more welcome arms could twine
Around thy snowy neck, than mine;
Thy smile, thy heart, while I possessed,
Not Persia's monarch lived as blessed.

While thou didst feed no rival flame,
Nor Lydia after Chloe came,
Oh then thy Lydia's echoing name
Excelled e'en Ilia's Roman fame.

Me now Threïcian Chloe sways,
Skilled in soft lyre and softer lays;
My forfeit life I'll freely give,
So she, my better life, may live.

The son of Ornytus inspires
My burning breast with mutual fires:
I'll face two several deaths with joy,
So Fate but spare my Thurian boy.

What, if our ancient love awoke,
And bound us with its golden yoke;
If auburn Chloe I resign,
And Lydia once again be mine?

Though fairer than the stars is he,
Thou rougher than the Adrian sea,
And fickle as light cork, yet I
With thee would live, with thee would die.