For by the fraudulent decree,
When sought the Greeks Ulysses' love,50
Reft of the golden panoply,
With fate in vain brave Ajax strove. 47
Yet dealt their arms far different blows
On the warm bodies of their foes,
Under the man-defending spear—55
Some for Achilles newly slain,
Some they for other toils sustain,
That mark those slaughterous days' career.
But among men of old had sprung,
Companions of the glowing tongue,60
Deceit and hatred's foul disgrace;
Which often with insidious blow
Lays fortune's towering minion low,
And gives th' obscure his glorious place. 58
Never, oh Father Jove! be mine65
Manners so stamp'd by false design;
But let my steps, life's journey through,
Simplicity's straight paths pursue;
That my surviving sons may claim
Inheritance of spotless fame.70
While some for golden treasures pray,
Others for land's unbounded sway,
May I acquire the townsmen's love,
Ere in the earth my limbs are laid—
Boldly their virtuous deeds approve,75
But be their sins with blame repaid! 68
Virtue her growing strength renews,
Nurtured by poets' fostering care,
As the tree fed by tender dews
Shoots proudly through the liquid air.80
The aid of friends man ever needs,
But chiefly in laborious deeds.
A faithful mirror true delight
Requires to place before the sight. 75
