Classic Poem

Praise Dian, maids; ye boys, with carol clear
Him of the unpolled locks, Apollo sing;
Sing all Latona too most dear
To Jove, almighty king.

Her joy in streams and every leaf that stirs
To life, on Algidus' cool upland seen
Or dusky Erymanthian firs
Or Cragus' forest green,

Sing ye; and, boys, be Tempe by your quire,
And Delos, birthplace of Apollo, sung,
His quiver too and brother's lyre,
That on his back are slung.

He at your prayer famine and pestilence
From Rome and Caesar's house, and grievous war
To Persian soil will banish hence
And Britain's distant shore.