Come, Phyllis, I've a cask of wine <br /> That fairly reeks with precious juices, <br />And in your tresses you shall twine <br /> The loveliest flowers this vale produces. <br /> <br />My cottage wears a gracious smile,-- <br /> The altar, decked in floral glory, <br />Yearns for the lamb which bleats the while <br /> As though it pined for honors gory. <br /> <br />Hither our neighbors nimbly fare,-- <br /> The boys agog, the maidens snickering; <br />And savory smells possess the air <br /> As skyward kitchen flames are flickering. <br /> <br />You ask what means this grand display, <br /> This festive throng, and goodly diet? <br />Well, since you're bound to have your way, <br /> I don't mind telling, on the quiet. <br /> <br />'Tis April 13, as you know,-- <br /> A day and month devote to Venus, <br />Whereon was born, some years ago, <br /> My very worthy friend Maecenas. <br /> <br />Nay, pay no heed to Telephus,-- <br /> Your friends agree he doesn't love you; <br />The way he flirts convinces us <br /> He really is not worthy of you! <br /> <br />Aurora's son, unhappy lad! <br /> You know the fate that overtook him? <br />And Pegasus a rider had-- <br /> I say he had before he shook him! <br /> <br />Haec docet (as you must agree): <br /> 'T is meet that Phyllis should discover <br />A wisdom in preferring me <br /> And mittening every other lover. <br /> <br />So come, O Phyllis, last and best <br /> Of loves with which this heart's been smitten,-- <br />Come, sing my jealous fears to rest, <br /> And let your songs be those I've written.<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/horace-to-phyllis/
