Book II, Elegy 10

But now 'tis time with other measures to range the slopes of Helicon; 'tis time to launch the Haemonian steed o'er the open plain; now would I sing of hosts brave in battle and tell of my chieftain's Roman camp. But should strength fail me, yet my daring shall win me fame: in mighty enterprises enough even to have willed success. Let early youth sing the charms of love, life's later prime the storm of war: war will I sing, now that I have set forth all my mistress' charms. Now would I go my way with grave frown stamped on serious brow; my Muse now bids me strike another lyre. Awake, my soul! Ye Pierid maids, leave these humble strains and take a stronger tone; the work that waits you needs a mighty voice.

Now does Euphrates deny that the Parthian aims his backward shaft, and grieves that ever he cut short the return of the Crassi. Nay, even India, Augustus, bows her neck to grace thy triumph, and the house of virgin Arabia trembles before thee; and if there be any land withdrawn upon earth's furthest rim, captured hereafter let it feel thy mighty hand.

This be the camp I follow. Great will I be among singers by singing of thy wars. Let destiny keep that glorious day in store for me.

As when we cannot reach the head of some tall statue, our garland is laid thus humbly before its feet, so now, too weak to climb to the heights of thy glory's song, with lowly rite we give thee the incense of the poor. Not yet have my songs come to know the founts of Ascra; Love has but dipped them in Permessus' stream.