Part 75 (1/2)

Ask me what hunger is, and I'll reply, 'Tis but a fierce desire of hot and dry.

932. BAD WAGES FOR GOOD SERVICE.

In this misfortune kings do most excel, To hear the worst from men when they do well.

933. THE END.

Conquer we shall, but we must first contend; _'Tis not the fight that crowns us, but the end_.

934. THE BONDMAN.

Bind me but to thee with thine hair, And quickly I shall be Made by that fetter or that snare A bondman unto thee.

Or if thou tak'st that bond away, Then bore me through the ear, And by the law I ought to stay For ever with thee here.

935. CHOOSE FOR THE BEST.

Give house-room to the best; _'tis never known Virtue and pleasure both to dwell in one_.

936. TO SILVIA.

Pardon my trespa.s.s, Silvia; I confess My kiss out-went the bounds of shamefastness: None is discreet at all times; no, _not Jove Himself, at one time, can be wise and love_.

937. FAIR SHOWS DECEIVE.

Smooth was the sea, and seem'd to call Two pretty girls to play withal: Who paddling there, the sea soon frown'd, And on a sudden both were drown'd.

What credit can we give to seas, Who, kissing, kill such saints as these?

938. HIS WISH.

Fat be my hind; unlearned be my wife; Peaceful my night; my day devoid of strife: To these a comely offspring I desire, Singing about my everlasting fire.

_Hind_, country servant.

939. UPON JULIA WAs.h.i.+NG HERSELF IN THE RIVER.

How fierce was I, when I did see My Julia wash herself in thee!

So lilies thorough crystal look: So purest pebbles in the brook: As in the river Julia did, Half with a lawn of water hid.

Into thy streams myself I threw, And struggling there, I kiss'd thee too; And more had done, it is confess'd, Had not thy waves forbade the rest.

940. A MEAN IN OUR MEANS.

Though frankincense the deities require, _We must not give all to the hallowed fire_.

Such be our gifts, and such be our expense, As for ourselves to leave some frankincense.