Classic Poem

To fair Lucretilis the nimble Faun
Shifts from Lycaeus oft his haunt, alert
From scorching summer heat to shield each lawn
Where feed my goats, and rainy winds avert.

For lurking arbutus and wild thyme they,
Dames of malodorous lord, the guarded brake
Search diligent, and wander far astray
Secure from harm; nor them green-spotted snake

Scares, nor Haedilia's wolves, the brood of Mars,
Whene'er, my Tyndaris, along the dells,
And low Ustica's weather-polished scars,
The dulcet note of charmed pipe music swells.

Me heaven protects; my duteous reverence
And gentle muse in heaven high favour gain.
Here Plenty's horn for thee in affluence
Profuse the country's glorious gifts shall rain.

Here shalt thou in sequestered dale that screens
From sultry Dog-star's power, on Teian string
Discoursing, of the love-sick rival queens,
Penelope and blue-haired Circe, sing;

Here in the shade thy thirst with draughts assuage
Of inoffensive Lesbian. Not here
Shall Semele's son in battle fray engage
With Mars, nor thou the jealous humour fear

Of Cyrus, peevish boy, lest with rough hands
Quelling thy puny strength, his ire he vent
Upon the wreath twined in thy tresses' bands
And thy poor robe with wanton malice rent.