Classic Poem

Not always from the clouds drip showers of rain
On dank and tangled fields, nor evermore
Do fitful tempests fret the Caspian main.
Not stiff, dear Valgius, lies the Armenian shore

Month after month throughout the year set fast
In sluggish ice, nor on Garganus' head
Aye strain the oaks against the northern blast,
And ash trees ne'er renew their foliage dead.

You always with insistent note forlorn
Bewail your Mystes reft; nor brings the rise
Of Hesper ease to your sad heart, nor morn,
When from the onward striding sun he flies.

Yet not for loved Antilochus did lament
He who lived life thrice over all his years;
Nor for the untimely fall of Troilus went
Parents and Phrygian sisters aye in tears.

Come, cease at length from plaints effeminate,
And rather join with me the trophies new
By Caesar won in verse to celebrate.
Of ice-bound Mount Niphates conquered too

Sing we, and how, within the empire brought,
The Median river flows with bated pride,
While the Geloni, narrow limits taught
To keep, no more abroad on forays ride.