Satires—Imitations—AND Sonnets.

by Cornwall Bayley

FROM HORACE. Dialogue between Horace and Lydia, “Donec gratus eram.” HORACE.
WHILST Horace in his Lydia’s arms, Shar’d, fondly shar’d, her blooming charms, Nor knew a rival there; Not all the blifs that monarchs own, Not all the wealth of Persia’s throne,	5
With Horace could compare.
LYDIA.
Whilst you a mutual fondness shew’d, Nor with a warmer feeling glow’d, For Chloe than for me; Not ev’n the Roman Ilia’s name	10
Flourished with half so fair a fame, As Lydia’s bless’d with thee.
HORACE.
Me now the Thracian Chloe sways, And lulls me with the am’rous lays Her love has taught to flow;	15
For her, I would not shrink from Death, Would but the Gods prolong her breath, And grant her bliss below! [Page 42]
CHLOE.
Me the Thurinian Calaïs fires, And my enraptur’d soul inspires,	20
With more than mutual joy; Death’s fiercest pangs I twice would brave, Could I but rescue from the grave, My dearer life—the boy!
HORACE.
What if our fondness, tho’ resign’d,	25
Ev’n now renew’d, our hearts should bind, In its resistless chain; If Chloe should be seen no more; And Horace ope his willing door To Lydia’s arms again?	30
CHLOE.
Tho’ he is beauteous as a star; Your faithless bosom lighter far, Than man’s retiring breath; Still would I wish to nestle there; With thee the joys of life to share	35
With thee the pangs of Death! [Page 43]