"HORATIUS FLACCUS, B.C. 8," There's not a doubt about the date,-- As you observed, the seasons roll; Since, mourned of men and Muses nine, And that was centuries ago! You'd think we'd learned enough, I know, Since last you trod the Sacred Street, Or, by your cold Digentia, set The web of winter birding-net. Ours is so far-advanced an age! We have a thousand things, you see, And yet, how strange! Our "world," to-day, Tried in the scale, would scarce outweigh Walk in the Park-you'll seldom fail To find a Sybaris on the rail By Lydia's ponies, Or hap on Barrus, wigged and stayed, The great Gargilius, then, behold! Fair Neobule too! Is not One Hebrus here-from Aldershot? Be wise. Aha, you colour! There old Canidia sits; No doubt she's tearing you to bits. And look, dyspeptic, brave, and kind, Comes dear Mecenas, half behind Terentia's skirting; To Q. H. F. Here's Pyrrha, "golden-haired" at will; Asterie flirting, Radiant, of course. We'll make her black,— Ask her when Gyges' ship comes back. So with the rest. Who will may trace Defined as clearly; Science proceeds, and man stands still; As yours was, Horace! You alone, TO "LYDIA LANGUISH" You "Il me faut des émotions." ask me, Lydia, -BLANCHE AMORY. "whether I, If you refuse my suit, shall die." (Now pray don't let this hurt you !) Although the time be out of joint, I should not think a bodkin's point Nor shall I, though your mood endure, Except against my wishes; For I respectfully decline To dignify the Serpentine, And make hors-d'œuvres for fishes; But if you ask me whether I Composedly can go, Without a look, without a sigh, Why, then I answer-No. "You are assured," you sadly say (If in this most considerate way To treat my suit your will is), That I shall "quickly find as fair Some new Neæra's tangled hairSome easier Amaryllis." To "LYDIA LANGUISH' I cannot promise to be cold While man has social duties; But if you ask shall I prefer To you I honour so, A somewhat visionary Her, You fear, you frankly add, "to find That altering Time estranges." To this I make response that we (As physiologists agree) Must have septennial changes; So as to change together: But to be serious-if you care |