<i>Solvitur acris hyems grata vice veris</i> <br /> <br /> <br />Sharp winter now dissolv'd, the linnet sing, <br />The grateful breath of pleasing Zephyrs bring <br />The welcome joys of long-desired spring. <br />The galleys now for open sea prepare, <br />The herds forsake their stalls for balmy air, <br />The fields adorn'd with green th'approaching sun declare. <br />In shining nights the charming Venus leads <br />Her troop of Graces, and her lovely maids, <br />Who gaily trip the ground in myrtle shades. <br />The blazing forge her husband Vulcan heats <br />And thunderlike the labouring hammer beats, <br />While toiling Cyclops every stroke repeats. <br />Of myrtle new the cheerful wreath compose, <br />Of various flowers which opening spring bestows, <br />Till coming June presents the blushing rose. <br />Pay your vow'd offering to God Faunus' bower! <br />Then, happy Sestius, seize the present hour, <br />'Tis all that nature leaves to mortal power. <br />The equal hand of strong impartial Fate <br />Levels the peasant and th'imperious great, <br />Nor will that doom on human projects wait. <br />To the dark mansions of the senseless dead, <br />With daily steps our destin'd path we tread, <br />Realms still unknown, of which so much is said. <br />Ended your schemes of pleasure and of pride, <br />In joyous feasts no one will there preside, <br />Torn from your Lycidas' beloved side. <br />Whose tender youth does now our eyes engage, <br />And soon will give, in his maturer age, <br />Sighs to our virgins -- to our matrons rage.<br /><br />Lady Mary Wortley Montagu<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-fourth-ode-of-the-first-book-of-horace-imita/
