Since he that can in aught prevail 50
Must in his turn expect to fail. 52
But the strict law that rules my song
And hours which urge their course along,
This thought prohibit, and restrain
Within just bounds the wandering strain. 55
Though fond desire my heart impel
Such tales at the new moon to tell;
Thee though the deep sea wave convey
Adventurous on thy middle way;
Yet, mind, resist the snare; 60
Then far superior shall we rise
To all our slandering enemies,
And walk in splendour fair;
While they of envious eye and soul
On earth their empty purpose roll. 66 65
To me what energetic power
Fate gave me in my natal hour,
Full well I know advancing time
Shall ripen to its destined prime.
Then haste, sweet lyre, the lay to weave 70
With Lydian melody combined,
Such as Œnone shall receive,
And Cyprus with enraptured mind;
Where, banish'd from his own domains,
The Telamonian Teucer reigns. 75
But Ajax his paternal soil
Yet holds—the Salaminian isle. 78
Achilles rules the shining land [1]
Whose splendour gems the Euxine deep.
Phthia owns Thetis' high command: 80
