68 ANACREONTICS
NATURE'S GIFTS. ODE XXIV. To all that breathe the air of heaven. Some boon of strength has Nature given. In forming the majestic bull, She fenced with wreathed horns his skull ; A hoof of strength she lent the steed, 5
And wing'd the timorous hare with speed. She gave the lion fangs of terror. And o'er the ocean's crystal mirror Taught the unnumber'd scaly throng To trace their liquid path along ; 10
While for the umbrage of the grove, She plum'd the warbling world of love. To man she gave, in that proud hour, The boon of intellectual power. Then what, Ο woman, what for thee, 15
Was left in Nature's treasury ? She gave thee beauty — mightier far Than all the pomp and power of war. Nor steel, nor fire itself hath power Like woman in her conquering hour. 20
Be thou but fair, mankind adore thee. Smile, and a world is weak before thee !
