Classic Poem

With incense and with music pay,
And blood of victim calf well earned,
The guardian gods of Numida,
Who, safe from western bounds returned,
His friends, and Lamia chief of all—
Remembering how their tasks they conned
By the same tyrant held in thrall,
And manhood's garb together donned—
Delights with many a kiss to greet.
Mark with white stone the day; bid flow
Wine without stint, and dancing feet
No rest from Salian measure know.
For once with Damalis, toper fair,
Let Bassus Thracian bumpers drain.
Nor rose nor long-lived parsley spare,
Nor lily quick to droop and wane.
On Damalis all eyes will be;
In vain, for none the prize may wrest.
Closer than wanton ivy she
Will cling to her new lover's breast.