Book IX, Epigram 61 (Ker)

A house renowned stands in the land of Tartessus where rich Corduba woos tranquil Baetis/- where fleeces are yellow-pale with native ore, and living gold o'erlays the Western flock. In the middle of the house, shadowing all the abode, stands with dense leafage Caesar's' plane, which an unconquered Guest's propitious hand planted, and which — then but a shoot — began from that hand to grow. It seems to feel who was its creator and lord; so green it is, and with its boughs it climbs higli heaven. Ofttimes under this tree sported Fauns flown with wine, and a late-blown pipe startled the still house; and, while o'er lonely fields she fled by night from Pan, oft under these leaves the rustic Dryad > nestled hid. And fragrant has the dwelling been when Lyaeus held revel, and more luxuriant grown the tree's shade from spilth of wine, and the blushing flower has been scattered down from last night's wreath, and none could claim his own roses. O thou dear to the gods! O tree of mighty Caesar! fear not the steel and sacrilegious fires. Thou mayst hope thy leafy honours shall endure for ever: it was not Pompey's hands' set thee there!