Book IX, Epigram 26: In Afrum

As oft as we thy Hyllus doe behold
Filling thy wine, thy browes doe seem to scold,
What crime is't, I would know to view thy Boy?
We look upon the gods, the stars, the day,
Shall I fling back as when a Gorgon lyes
Steep'd in the cup? and hide my face and eyes?
Great Hercules was feirce in crueltie
Yet we might see his pretty Hylas free:
Nor would great Jove have ought in wrath to say
If Mercury with Ganimede did play.
(Afer) if then we must not view thy loose
Soft ministers that serve thee in thy house,
Invite such men as Phineas to bee
Thy guests or Oedipus that nere could see.